GLENDALE – Training camps from all across the NFL begins this week, with excitement at an all time high for fans. However, as many Arizona Cardinals fans already know, excitement surrounding their favorite team always lead to disappointing news. Luckily for fans, they didn’t have to wait long as head coach Jonathan Gannon announced to the media on Wednesday that first-round pick Walter Nolen will “miss some time” due to a calf injury.
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Jun 10, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (97) during minicamp at the teams Arizona Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Cardinals Gannon announces Nolen’s calf injury:
The calf injury to Nolen makes it back-to-back years that Arizona’s first-round pick has dealt with a calf injury before their rookie season, with 27th overall pick Darius Robinson suffering a calf strain last year. Robinson was put on the sideline for a while, only appearing in six games in 2024. The season is still two months away, but Gannon didn’t a timeline on when Nolen is expected back.
Aug 10, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Darius Robinson (56) against the New Orleans Saints during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
One can use context clue and assume that the injury isn’t a major concern based on Gannon’s deliverance of the news. However, back-to-back year’s with first-round pick being injured before training camp isn’t a stellar streak to build upon, especially for the mental health of fans across the Valley.
No reports have indicated it, but if Nolen’s injury does develop into a long-term injury, the Cardinals have the depth at defensive tackle to brace the blow. The two new signings of Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell can fill in Nolen’s absence for defensive coordinator Nick Rallis’ 3-4 scheme.
Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) reacts as he leaves the field after defeating the Green Bay Packers in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona was tied for the second best run-defense PFF grade at 78.0 when in a 3-4 front. That mark can be improved upon even more, with Campbell leading all defensive tackles with a 85.9 run-defense PFF grade in 2024. The defensive front has become one of the team’s biggest weaknesses to one of its most stacked position.
While Gannon and the rest of coaching staff obviously want their first-round pick back on the field, the Cardinals are built to survive the absence of Nolen if needed.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
