Revenge of the Birds
The Arizona Cardinals opened their veteran mandatory minicamp and will hold practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. Not everyone is available, though.
Two players who are completely healthy and have not participated in any of the OTAs to date are QB Jacoby Brissett and EDGE rusher Josh Sweat. Both reported to this minicamp, which draws fines for players who skip the sessions.
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Other players are still dealing with injuries from last year and are working to rehab so that they may be available in July’s training camp.
After never missing a game during his high school and college career, Nolen began his rookie season on the PUP list due to a severe calf injury he sustained before training camp began. Being on the PUP list meant he could practice or play in games until after Week 4. Then, the team had a 21-day window in which to activate him to the roster. Nolen was activated on November 3, ahead of Week 9. He played in six games and then went down with a non-contact knee injury in Week 16. It was revealed as a torn meniscus in his left knee, which required surgery. Although Nolen avoided a more severe ACL tear, the coaching staff has been bringing him back gradually with the hopes that he can be ready for training camp. He showed up to minicamp and was seen in regular clothes on the sidelines.
The rookie Sharar has a history of injuries in college, but he was at minicamp, although on the sidelines working with trainers. So far, he is currently dealing with an unspecified injury that has kept him from participating fully in practices.
No on-field work, but he was dressed in his jersey.
In the same Week 16 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, Williams went down with a non-contact torn Achilles tendon. He had missed five games earlier in the season with a knee issue. Williams was carted off the field in the first quarter. The cornerback had found a home as Arizona’s trusted nickel cornerback. Achilles damage is no joke and is the worst type of injury for a defensive back because it affects cuts and redirection ability. Williams is not expected to be ready for training camp and will most likely begin the season on the PUP list. He showed up to minicamp and was seen in regular clothes on the sidelines.
In the Week 17 game last year against the Cincinnati Bengals, Crawford sustained an ankle injury that placed him on IR. He has some lingering effects. He showed up to minicamp and was seen in regular clothes on the sidelines.
The rookie defensive tackle was not at minicamp.
In the gift win to the winless Tennessee Titans last year, both QB Kyler...
