Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals injury report for Sunday’s Week 11 game vs. the San Francisco 49ers is laughably long. The 18-player list early in the week has shrunk to 13 on Friday, but the quality of players listed could sink Arizona’s chances before it even touch the field. Cornerback Will Johnson and Mack Wilson Sr. have already been ruled out, with a new key defensive player in rookie defensive tackle Walter Nolen being questionable on the injury report.
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After missing the first half of his rookie season due to a calf injury, the 6’4, 300-pounder made a statement in his debut game vs. the Dallas cowboys. Nolen recorded a pass deflection and a sack on Monday Night Football to help his team snap a five-game losing streak.
The addition of Nolen has been critical to add more talent to the defensive line that is struggling outside of Calais Campbell and Josh Sweat.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Walter Nolen III (97) walks off the field after the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Cardinals DL coach on Nolen’s impact this season:
The best way for Nolen’s growth is reps. If he misses Week 11, Nolen would have played in only two out of the Cardinals 10 games this season. Even outside of Nolen’s development, Arizona’s defense is in desperate need of bodies with plenty of key starters out against a returning Brock Purdy.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) runs against Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Walter Nolen III (97) in the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
In his first two games, Nolen has earned a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 77.5, which would put him in the top 10 of interior defensive lineman with more snaps to qualify him. As a unit, the Cardinals have a grade of 58.6, placing them 26th in the league. The depth outside of Sweat and Campbell have drowned against opposing offensive line protection.
Nolen’s size and athleticism gives Arizona much-needed pressure to not allow quarterback to pick apart an injured secondary. If the rookie defensive lineman is ruled out for Week 11, the Cardinals could have a similar outing as last week, where they were embarrassed in Seattle.
Cardinals Michael Wilson ready for WR1 challenge vs. 49ers in Week 11
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
