Cardinals Top CB Nears Return 8 Months After Achilles Tear

Budda Baker is the Arizona Cardinals' primary cornerback, while second-round draft pick Will Johnson, recruited from Michigan, played a crucial role as the second safety in the team's roster. However, the standout performer among the Cardinals' cornerbacks has been Garrett Williams. Selected in the third round of the 2023 draft (No. 72 overall) from Syracuse, Williams entered the league as a rookie with limited playing time, appearing in just nine games (six starts) in 2023.

His second season with the Cardinals in 2024 marked his breakout year, tallying 58 combined tackles, nine pass breakups, two interceptions, and a forced fumble over 16 games (11 starts). His performance improved further in 2025, with 46 combined tackles, five pass breakups, one interception, and another forced fumble in 10 games (10 starts).

Unfortunately, Williams' season was abruptly halted in Week 16 of 2025 when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the Cardinals' 26-19 defeat against Atlanta. This late-season injury raised concerns about whether Williams would miss the beginning of the 2026 season. Fortunately, he has been cleared to return, as the Cardinals activated him off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list on Thursday.

Head coach Mike LaFleur expressed his delight, crediting Williams for his hard work and the contributions from others in bringing him back. The Cardinals entered the 2026 season with modest expectations, considering the first-year head coach, new offensive system, and a young core of players on both sides of the ball. Should Williams fully recover, his return would significantly bolster the defense.

With Williams now prepared to resume practice, he has approximately three weeks before the team's first game of the regular season, which begins against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, September 13.