Cardinals activate Garrett Williams from PUP list

The Arizona Cardinals bolstered their defense on Thursday, August 20, by activating cornerback Garrett Williams from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Williams had suffered an Achilles injury in December and was initially anticipated to return midseason. However, his progress proved to be faster than the Cardinals had anticipated, allowing for his activation on Thursday.

Head coach Mike LaFleur mentioned that there remains a process for Williams to fully reintegrate into practice. With more than three weeks until the team's regular season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 13, it appears likely that Williams will be ready to start that game, taking over as the nickel cornerback role previously held by Sean Murphy-Bunting.

LaFleur noted that Williams performs exceptionally well on the inside, where he will likely start. In 2024, Williams had proven himself as one of the Cardinals' top defensive players in this role. Last season, under head coach Jonathan Gannon, he played 117 snaps on the outside alongside his nickel duties, but the results were less successful due to a series of injuries.

The Cardinals now plan to streamline Williams' role, with Will Johnson, Denzel Burke, and Max Melton as the primary outside corners. Tight end Tip Reiman, who had been working his way back from an ankle injury, is not expected to be ready for the start of training camp, according to LaFleur. The Cardinals may keep Reiman on the PUP until after Week 4 if they believe he will be ready within the first month of the season, likely activating Teagan Quitoriano or Rivaldo Fairweather as their third tight end instead.

Edge rusher Josh Sweat remains on the PUP, despite the team's belief that he is still working his way to football condition. The Cardinals will rest key starters, including Carson Beck, who is dealing with a ribs injury sustained in the Hall of Fame game, in their preseason game against the Cowboys on Saturday, August 22.