GLENDALE – Once thought to be out till November, the Arizona Cardinals revealed on Wednesday that starting cornerback Garrett Williams could be ready before Week 1. Head coach Mike LaFleur spoke to the media and had “great news” on the status of Williams, who tore his Achilles in December. A typically 11-12 month recovery process has been expedited because of how well he has progressed, and gives him a real chance of being ready for the 2026 season opener.
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Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) is tended to on the field during the first half of a game against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Williams has chance to be back before start of 2026 season:
Despite only being 25 years old, Williams has already had an extensive injury history. In his final season at Syracuse, he tore his ACL that bled into his NFL career. The 2023 former third-round pick didn’t make his debut until Week 7, where he remain relatively healthy until this past season.
Williams suffered a leg injury in Week 2 vs. the Carolina Panthers that forced the Cardinals to place him on injury reserve. While the details were scarce, there was hope of his return, which did happen in Week 9 on Monday Night Football. His return began one of the most healthiest stretch of his NFL career, with eight straight starts. All of that came to a halt in Week 16 when he suffered the torn Achilles.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) breaks up a pas sin the end zone intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) during the first quarter of their game Sunday, October 13, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Syndication: Journal Sentinel
When on the field, Williams is Arizona’s best coverage cornerback and does a stellar job of reading reads, leading to pass deflections. When on the field the secondary takes a massive leap in quality, alongside Max Melton and Will Johnson. The problem was none of those names were completely healthy for 2025, much like the rest of the team. But, if Williams is going to be back for Week 1, with Melton and Johnson, the Cardinals will have the best secondary they’ve had in years.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
