Cardinals activate edge rusher Josh Sweat from PUP list, boosting team’s defense

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Cardinals activated edge rusher Josh Sweat from the physically unable to perform list on Monday, indicating that the skilled player may be prepared for the season debut on September 13. This move demonstrates that Sweat, who has been battling a knee injury during the preseason, could be returning for the start of the NFL season.

Coach Mike LaFleur expressed confidence that Sweat's concerns about the team's direction after a disappointing 3-14 record and the recent firing of head coach Jonathan Gannon would be addressed before the opener. Notably, Sweat had an impressive 12 sacks last season, bolstering the Cardinals' pass rush following his $76.4 million, four-year contract signing in March 2025.

"It's been a while since we've seen him out there in his uniform," remarked tight end Trey McBride, expressing enthusiasm about Sweat's potential return. In other news, the Cardinals waived running back Trey Benson on Monday. The 24-year-old, drafted by the team in 2024 out of Florida State, struggled with injuries over his first two seasons, accumulating only 451 rushing yards and one touchdown in total.