Syndication: Arizona Republic
GLENDALE – 469 days, it has been 469 days since Arizona Cardinals linebacker BJ Ojulari tore his ACL. The 23-year-old suffered the injury during 2024 training camp and has spent the past 15 months rehabbing. Many expected Ojulari to be ready at the start of the 2025 season, but Arizona placed the former second-round pick on the Physically Unable to Perform list and has been out of the limelight for the past 4 months of the season.
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However, the wait is finally over, as the Cardinals announced that BJ Ojulari has been activated from the PUP list and is on the 53-man roster. Ojulari is questionable for Sunday but could be a much needed boost for the defense.
Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker BJ Ojulari (18) before action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Ojulari’s return couldn’t come at a better time:
On the injury report, the team have four starters out with injury, with three more questionable, including Ojulari. In his rookie season in 2023, the former LSU Tiger had started to find his footing as the season progressed, recording four sacks in a four week span.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker BJ Ojulari (18) reacts after sacking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) in the second half at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 12, 2023. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
The 6’2 linebacker was tied for second on the team for sacks and tied for fourth with tackles for loss. At nearly 250 pounds, Ojulari power was a sight to behold, and a problem for opposing offensive lines. If he returns on Sunday vs. the San Francisco 49ers, it’ll be an emotional return for Ojulari in front of a rowdy Arizona crowd that will surely give him a hero’s welcome.
Cardinals suffer another huge blow before Week 11 vs. 49ers
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
