BJ Ojulari, a linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals, is nearing a return to practice after suffering a knee ligament injury during training camp in August 2024. Ojulari had switched his jersey number from 18 to 9 ahead of his second NFL season, giving the former number to rookie Marvin Harrison Jr.
“I like the idea, because single-digit guys make plays, especially coming off the edge,” Ojulari said. “Having that little bit of swag, little kids looking up to you, they want to be No. 9.
“But at the end of the day, your play is going to talk for you, no matter what number you’re wearing.”
Ojulari has spent several months in rehabilitation and has not played since his injury. Head coach Jonathan Gannon announced that Ojulari will begin practicing again as the team opens his 21-day window to return from injured reserve. The timeline for when he might appear in a game remains uncertain.
“I’ve helped a little bit here and there,” linebacker Zaven Collins said. “He sits just to the left of me in the meeting room … he still gets asks questions by (outside linebackers) coach (Matt) Feeney, including him in every game plan. So he knows about every game plan even though he wasn’t really playing. He goes and works out and try to get back as quick as possible. He’s there mentally with the game. I think when he is available he’ll hit the ground running.”
Following their bye week, other Cardinals players are also progressing toward returns from injury. Cornerback Garrett Williams and defensive lineman Walter Nolen III have had their return windows opened and are expected back on the field before Ojulari.
Gannon described Ojulari as “a positive guy” who will adapt quickly once back with the team.
“I know he’s been itching to get out there but understood this was his journey to get back on a practice field,” Gannon said. “Once he gets back on a practice field, it’s not going to be linear either. It never really is with anybody. It’s just one day at a time, control what you can control and when he is healthy enough to play, hopefully he’ll play.”
