GLENDALE – Week 16 was an emotionally draining day for the Arizona Cardinals and their fans. Regardless of the 26-19 loss to the Atlanta Falcons to make it seven-straight home losses, two serious injuries to defensive starters took the air out of the building. In the first quarter, cornerback Garrett Williams took a backstep in coverage and felt a tug in his left Achilles. In the third quarter, rookie defensive tackle Walter Nolen fell over on a play but got up and kept fighting when a jolt of pain hit his right knee and brought him to ground.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The duo both needed to be carted out, and head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed on Monday that the pair will be placed on injury reserve, ending their 2025 season.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) is helped off the field after being hurt defending a touchdown play against the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium on Sept 14, 2025.
Nolen and Williams 2025 season is over:
Many reports have confirmed that Williams has a torn Achilles, which will be a long road of recovery for the 24-year-old. The former third round pick had a massive knee scare in Week 2 that looked to be serious and placed on IR, but he returned in Week 9 and appeared in every game until this latest heartbreaking injury. Williams will likely miss a majority of the 2026 season recovering and rehabbing from his injury.
Nolen’s injury is in his right knee and hasn’t been confirmed as a torn ACL, which many experts assume after seeing the video and the injury being non-contact. However, much like Williams, reports are indicating that the injury is serious and could have him out of action for a while. The 22-year-old took to social media to release a statement following the injury.
Aug 2, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Walter Nolen III in the Red and White practice during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Nolen missed the preseason and the first half of his rookie season due to a calf injury suffered in training camp. He made his debut in Week 9 and had an immediate impact for the Cardinals pass rush. A small bump with a knee injury had him miss two weeks but returned and was primed to finish his first year strong until Week 16.
Two massive blows for the franchise that has had to endure a season from hell.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
