GLENDALE – Josh Sweat’s return and activation from the PUP list are giving the Cardinals hope that they can get some reinforcements to help turn their defense around. The veteran defensive end has been activated from the physically unable to perform list, meaning he can be available for Week 1 instead of missing the first four games of the season. For a Cardinals defense that struggled to find answers during the preseason consistently, that development could be far more important than it initially appears.
Josh Sweat set to return for the Arizona Cardinals:
Cardinals activated edge rusher Josh Sweat from PUP.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 24, 2026
Sweat gives Arizona something preseason performances suggested it desperately needs, which is a proven difference-maker capable of creating pressure without requiring the defense to manufacture every opportunity through scheme. That matters because defensive struggles tend to compound. When a front cannot generate pressure, quarterbacks have more time. When quarterbacks have more time, coverage becomes harder. Eventually, an entire defense can look worse than its individual parts. Sweat has the potential to disrupt that cycle.
Josh Sweat speaks to members of the media at the Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe on March 13, 2025. © Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
His availability also adds an intriguing layer to Arizona’s bigger roster decisions. Trade speculation has surrounded Sweat, particularly with the Cardinals not widely viewed as legitimate contenders entering the season. If another team believes Arizona could eventually move him, his return could increase his value. But there is another side to the equation. Why trade away a player who could immediately improve one of the weakest-looking areas of your team? The Cardinals may ultimately decide Sweat is more valuable as a trade asset than as a defensive cornerstone. However, keeping him gives Arizona a legitimate opportunity to stabilize its defense before making that decision.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) celebrates after a sack in the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
For Cardinals fans, that is the most important takeaway. Sweat being available Week 1 does not suddenly transform Arizona into a contender. But it gives a defense searching for an identity one of its most important pieces from the opening snap. Sometimes the biggest offseason addition is simply getting a key player back.
Arizona linebackers Josh Sweat (10) and Baron Browning (5) close in for the sack on Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Oct. 5, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
