GLENDALE – Week 16 remains the game of hell for the Arizona Cardinals. In the first quarter, cornerback Garrett Williams was helped off the field due to an apparent non-contract Achilles injury. Only two quarters later would have another non-contact injury with rookie defensive tackle Walter Nolen. The 2025 first-round pick was fighting in the play after falling to the ground and ran after quarterback Kirk Cousins before a tug from Nolen’s leg brought him down.
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Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals injured defensive lineman Walter Nolen III against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Nolen carted off due to knee injury:
Nolen has had a rough rookie season. The 22-year-old suffered a calf injury during training camp that had him out for the preseason and the first eight weeks of the season. His debut in Week 9 vs. the Dallas Cowboys was sensational, including a sack and a batted ball.
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
His play would remain stellar until a knee injury sat him out for two weeks before returning in Week 15. 2025 has been an emotional battle for Nolen, and Sunday’s non-contact knee injury was the climax of it all as he broke down in tears on the cart.
A heartbreaking moment for the young defensive tackle, who has had one of the best Pro Football Focus grades of an rookie this season.
Cardinals’ Garrett Williams suffers non-contact injury vs. Falcons
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
