GLENDALE – Wednesday was the first day of Arizona Cardinals voluntary OTAs at its Tempe training facility. The series of six practices are not required and consist of organized team activities. Regardless if not mandatory, it could be an indicator of what’s to come when the season begins.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Sports Illustrated Donnie Druin reported that five players were absent from the field during the first day of practice.
Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell against the New Orleans Saints at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
List of Cardinals to miss 1st day of OTAS:
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OL Kelvin Beachum
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OL Hjalte Froholdt
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DL Calais Campbell
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DL Dalvin Tomlinson
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OLB Josh Sweat
“So some guys are in and out, but like where it’s at right now,” head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters before practice on Wednesday. “I will say this, “I always ask them because it is voluntary, just communicate with me. Our guys have done an excellent job communicating with me, so that’s good to see.”
Josh Sweat speaks to members of the media at the Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe on March 13, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
The group of five players are 6+ year veterans and likely understand the process of keeping in shape and focusing on stay healthy. None of the players above dealt with injuries ending last year. However, many players have their own trainers and regime and prefer to workout in their own style if given the option.
Druin mentioned that offensive lineman Jonah Williams and rookie defensive lineman Walter Nolen was rooking on the side, which means that they’re likely dealing with something injury-related. Williams had season cut short last season because of a knee injury, while Nolen’s injury hasn’t been revealed but is likely minor.
Defensive tackle Walter Nolen III during the Cardinals rookie minicamp at the Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe, Arizona, on May 9,2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Team captains were in attendance like quarterback Kyler Murray and safety Budda Baker, setting a precedent heading into next year. The Cardinals have heavy expectations for 2025, looking to make their first playoff appearance in four years. The journey to get their starts at the Tempe practice fields.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
