Walter Nolen, the Arizona Cardinals' No. 16 choice in the 2025 first round, has been placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to a nagging calf injury sustained during offseason training.
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The move will sideline Nolen for at least the first four games of the season, putting him out against the Saints, Panthers, 49ers, and Seahawks, a difficult early stretch for Arizona's defense.
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Nolen injured his calf while working out at the team facility in mid-July, and he was placed on the active/PUP list before being moved to reserve status.
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The rookie will be eligible to return as early as Week 5 when the Cardinals visit the Tennessee Titans, giving hope that his NFL debut would come sooner if his recuperation goes well.
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This is the second year in a row that Arizona has had a first-round defender lose time with a calf issue, after 2024 pick Darius Robinson was out until Week 13.
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Despite the setback, Nolen has high expectations after recording 14 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in his junior year at Ole Miss, demonstrating his explosive first step and ability to disrupt plays.
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