Cardinals activate rookies Walter Nolen, Garrett Williams for Monday night game vs Cowboys

The Arizona Cardinals are set to debut rookie defensive lineman Walter Nolen III in their Week 9 Monday Night Football game against the Dallas Cowboys after activating him from the Physically Unable to Perform list. Nolen, the Cardinals' first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, had been sidelined with a calf injury since before training camp but has recently returned to practice, impressing coaches with his explosiveness and mental execution. Alongside Nolen, cornerback Garrett Williams is returning from injured reserve, adding depth to the defense against the Cowboys' top-ranked passing offense. The Cardinals also elevated running back Michael Carter from the practice squad to bolster their rushing attack. Nolen, a consensus All-American and former Ole Miss standout, is expected to bring disruption to the defensive interior, complementing the existing defensive line led by Calais Campbell. These roster moves aim to strengthen Arizona's defense and overall team performance in a critical matchup.