Walter Nolen’s Injury Casts Shadow Over Bengals-Cardinals Week 17 Matchup
The Cincinnati Bengals may have picked up a feel-good win over the Miami Dolphins, but as they head into Week 17 against the Arizona Cardinals, the focus shifts to evaluation mode. With the playoffs off the table, these final games are about development, long-term planning, and, for fans, a bit of what-could-have-been-especially when it comes to one standout Cardinals rookie who won’t be suiting up this Sunday.
Walter Nolen Won’t Play-And That’s a Loss for Everyone Watching
Walter Nolen, the Cardinals’ rookie defensive tackle, suffered a devastating non-contact injury in Arizona’s Week 16 game against the Falcons. The moment was tough to watch.
As he was carted off the field, visibly emotional, it was clear this wasn’t just a minor setback. For a player who had just begun to find his rhythm in the NFL, the timing couldn’t have been more brutal.
Bengals fans had been circling this matchup for a while-not because of playoff implications, but because of Nolen. He was a name many in Cincinnati had hoped to hear called on draft night.
Instead, the Cardinals grabbed him just one pick before the Bengals were on the clock. And now, just like that, the chance to see him go head-to-head with Cincinnati’s young offensive line is gone.
A Short Season, But a Loud One for Nolen
Despite a rookie campaign that was shortened by injuries, Nolen made his presence felt. After starting the year on the PUP list, he debuted in Week 9 against the Dallas Cowboys and immediately looked like he belonged.
His combination of size, explosiveness, and football IQ jumped off the screen. He wasn’t just holding his own-he was dominating stretches of play.
In just a handful of games, Nolen made splash plays that hinted at star potential. The highlight?
A pick-six off Trevor Lawrence that had social media buzzing and defensive line coaches across the league nodding in appreciation. Plays like that don’t just happen.
That’s instincts, athleticism, and film study all coming together.
And for a Cardinals defense that’s been searching for an identity, Nolen was quickly becoming its cornerstone.
Injuries Continue to Pile Up for Arizona
Nolen’s injury wasn’t the only blow for Arizona. Starting cornerback Garrett Williams also went down with an Achilles injury in the same game, requiring a cart to leave the field. It was one of those moments where the entire team surrounded him-always a sign of how serious the situation is.
Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon was visibly frustrated when asked about the team’s growing injury list. And who can blame him? At this point in the season, with both teams out of postseason contention, the focus should be on development and evaluation-not damage control.
But that’s the reality for Arizona now. A defense that was already thin is now missing two of its most promising young players, and the ripple effects are felt all the way to Cincinnati.
A Draft “What-If” That Still Stings in Cincinnati
For Bengals fans, Nolen’s injury brings back memories of draft night-and not necessarily the good kind. Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, Cincinnati had made it clear they were looking to bolster the defensive line. Nolen and linebacker Jihaad Campbell were two names that kept popping up in fan circles.
But when the Cardinals took Nolen just one pick before the Bengals were up, Cincinnati pivoted to defensive end Shemar Stewart. While Stewart has shown flashes, the buzz just wasn’t the same.
And Campbell? He ended up in Philadelphia.
It’s the kind of scenario that draft fans remember. One pick away from a potential difference-maker.
One week away from seeing him live. And now, both opportunities are gone.
No Rookie Showdown in the Trenches
This weekend’s game was supposed to give us a glimpse into the future-specifically, a trench battle between two promising rookies: Nolen and Bengals guard Dylan Fairchild.
Fairchild, a third-round pick, has quietly been one of the Bengals’ better stories this season. He’s held his own in pass protection and shown promise as a run blocker. A matchup with Nolen would’ve been a great test, especially for a team trying to figure out which pieces are worth building around on the offensive line.
For the average fan, a guard vs. defensive tackle battle might not move the needle. But for those who love the gritty, technical side of football, this was one to watch. And now, it’s off the table.
A Cruel Twist of Fate-and a Reminder of the NFL’s Fragility
There’s a bit of cruel irony in the timing. The Bengals were one pick away from drafting Walter Nolen.
They were one week away from facing him on the field. Now, both moments have slipped away.
Injuries are part of the game, but this one stings a little more-not just because of what Nolen could’ve brought to the Bengals, but because of what he was already bringing to the Cardinals. You hate to see any player go down, especially one just starting to tap into their potential.
So now, all Cincinnati fans can do is hope. Hope that Nolen makes a full recovery.
Hope that both teams come out of Week 17 healthier than they went in. And hope that, down the road, we’ll get to see Nolen and Fairchild battle in the trenches the way this game was supposed to deliver.
Until then, Week 17 just got a little less interesting-but the long-term stories are far from over.