While they lost L.J. Collier and Justin Jones to injured reserve for the foreseeable future, there is excitement around what the defensive line room will look like once fully healthy.
“We have a lot of talent, that’s for sure, but we just got to get everybody on the field together at the same time,” Campbell said. “We just need to keep doing our part until everybody is back. I know Walter is a very talented guy and he’s making his progress. When the time comes, I think the whole world is going to be excited to see what he can do. Including me.”
When Jonathan Gannon was asked if he was concerned about Nolen’s window not being opened on Monday, the answer was a simple “no.”
Players who began the season on the PUP or injured reserve list can have their practice windows opened at any point. Including Nolen, the Cardinals can open up the 21-day practice window for outside linebacker BJ Ojulari. Gannon did not provide much more information on their statuses.
“When we can get guys back up and get them rolling, we’ll get them back and rolling,” Gannon said on Friday. “But they got to be fully healthy and ready to assimilate into a practice before we open the window and put them out there or you’re wasting time with it.”
Throughout the offseason, when many were discussing the additions of Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson to the defensive front seven, Gannon would be quick to remind those that Nichols and Justin Jones (who is also on IR with a knee injury) remain in the building and will provide value.
“He’s a good football player,” Gannon said. “He can play a couple of different hats for us. Good to have him back out there today. He plays the way we want him to play. He’s got energy and juice, so it was good to see him out there.”