The Arizona Cardinals may be waiting on more than just training camp reps after Walter Nolen left the field on the first day of padded practice with trainers.
Nolen, the first-round pick out of Ole Miss last year, was brought in to help solve one of the Cardinals’ biggest problems: stopping the run, especially up the gut. But his rookie season was already derailed by injuries.
After never dealing with an injury at any level before reaching the NFL, he was hit with a calf issue and then a meniscus tear in December that required surgery. He also sat out OTAs as the coaching staff eased him back carefully.
That made Sunday’s scene even more concerning. During 11-on-11 work, Nolen appeared to hit an offensive lineman awkwardly and then started moving with a clear limp.
He tried to run it off, then jogged, then walked, but never looked right. He eventually headed off with trainers and did not return.
What’s known so far is that the issue is in the same left leg that bothered him last year. What isn’t known yet is how serious it is. Arizona is scheduled to hold an open practice Sunday from 1:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by a short press conference from head coach Mike LaFleur, which should be the first update on Nolen’s condition and whether the team has ordered X-rays or an MRI.
At this point, there’s no indication it’s ACL- or MCL-related, and cramps seem unlikely. Nolen was able to walk off the field under his own power, which points away from the worst-case scenarios. But until LaFleur speaks, the Cardinals are stuck waiting.
That wait matters because this 2026 defense is counting on Nolen to deliver. He played only six games last year, and any more missed time would be a hit to Arizona’s run defense.
If the injury turns out to be minor, the obvious next question is whether the Cardinals should simply shut him down for the rest of camp and the preseason and save him for Week 1.
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