Bilal Nichols has moved closer to returning to the field for the Arizona Cardinals after nearly a year away due to injury. On Monday, the team opened the 21-day practice window for Nichols, who joined during the 2024 free agency period but suffered a neck injury last season and was placed on Injured Reserve on October 15. He has been on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list since training camp began.
Nichols played six games with the Cardinals before his injury, recording 10 tackles, one quarterback hit, and one tackle for loss. While he could be activated as early as Sunday’s game against Tennessee, it remains uncertain whether he will be ready in time.
“The addition of Bilal back, that’s going to be huge,” said defensive lineman Calais Campbell. “He worked really hard to get back. The whole time I’ve been here, just seeing his work and seeing the way he pushes himself. Knowing his history in this league and what he has done, he is a guy that I want in my foxhole and I’m excited to have him back.”
The Cardinals also announced roster changes on Monday: running back Michael Carter was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster, while veteran running back D’Ernest Johnson joined the practice squad.
Injuries continue to affect several players on the team. Defensive lineman Darius Robinson left Thursday’s game against Seattle with a chest issue, while Walter Nolen III remains on PUP as he recovers from a calf injury sustained before training camp. L.J. Collier and Justin Jones are both on injured reserve.
Campbell commented on how injuries have impacted team cohesion: “We have a lot of talent, that’s for sure, but we just got to get everybody on the field together at the same time,” Campbell said. “We just need to keep doing our part until everybody is back. I know Walter is a very talented guy and he’s making his progress. When the time comes, I think the whole world is going to be excited to see what he can do. Including me.”
Head coach Jonathan Gannon addressed questions about not opening Nolen’s practice window yet by saying simply “no” when asked if there was concern over its status.
Gannon noted that players who start on PUP or injured reserve can have their practice windows opened at any point during the season but emphasized that they must be fully healthy before returning: “When we can get guys back up and get them rolling, we’ll get them back and rolling,” Gannon said Friday. “But they got to be fully healthy and ready to assimilate into a practice before we open the window and put them out there or you’re wasting time with it.”
Gannon also spoke about Nichols’ value: “He’s a good football player,” Gannon said. “He can play a couple of different hats for us. Good to have him back out there today. He plays the way we want him to play. He’s got energy and juice, so it was good to see him out there.”
Monday’s bonus practice included cornerback Will Johnson returning after missing two games with a groin injury; Gannon described Johnson’s status as “taking it day by day” but expressed hope that he would return soon.
Campbell, Robinson, linebacker Mack Wilson Sr., and running back Trey Benson did not participate in Monday’s session. The first official injury report will be released Wednesday ahead of Sunday’s home game against Tennessee.
