The offseason presents a challenging period for player status updates, particularly when it comes to injuries. Coaches like Jonathan Gannon often prefer not to discuss these matters publicly. Before the Arizona Cardinals began their second week of organized team activities (OTAs), Gannon explained his stance on the issue.
During a session with reporters, Gannon was questioned about right tackle Jonah Williams and rookie defensive tackle Walter Nolen III. Williams was expected to return to the field after working separately from the team last week. Nolen had also been seen working on the side during an open OTA, which Gannon clarified was neither due to injury nor contract issues.
“There are not a lot of good answers all the time for (the media) from me,” said Gannon. He elaborated that recovery is not always straightforward: “‘He’s doing great.’ What does that mean? He was doing great two days ago but then yesterday didn’t have a setback — I don’t want to use that word — but it’s not linear, it doesn’t just go great in a rehab.”
Gannon referred back to earlier discussions about quarterback Kyler Murray’s knee recovery as an example of how unpredictable injury timelines can be. “It’s not a linear progression of ‘I’m just doing great and I’m on the timeline the doc says and the training room says and this is when I can go out and play football.’ It doesn’t work like that.”
He assured that every player’s situation is unique, stating, “I trust our process on how we do things. You’ll see Jonah out there today, but that’s just the step we’re taking for return to play.” The coach stressed that what observers see during practice may not accurately reflect a player’s readiness.
Gannon emphasized players’ eagerness to return: “So they are doing everything they can to get out there and be healthy and be with their teammates and play football,” he said. He added that no player would be rushed back until fully fit.
Questions regarding player injuries will persist throughout any season, yet Gannon has made clear why his responses might remain succinct in future interactions.
Jeremy Chen/Arizona Cardinals
