Walter Nolen III, a defensive lineman for the Arizona Cardinals, has shown notable progress in his first five games despite facing early setbacks due to injuries. Head coach Jonathan Gannon commented on Nolen’s impact since joining the team: “Disruptiveness. Maybe besides that is how many games that he’s played. He doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, which is cool to see. He can take it to the grass. He understands what he needs to get done in a particular play, but just his ability to be disruptive in the run and pass game.”
Nolen missed all preseason activities and the first seven games of the season because of a calf injury sustained before training camp. After returning in Week 9 against the Cowboys, he left two subsequent games early due to additional injuries. Gannon acknowledged these interruptions could hinder a player’s development: “It’s hard. Each week that you’re building on you can make adjustments, you can make tweaks, and you can kind of have some growth from that. Where if you’re not on the field, you kind of have to reset where you were and then it just slows down your growth process, I would say, but he’s done a good job. He really has.”
Nolen himself described his return simply: “Football is football and I just love playing it,” he said. “Whenever I get the opportunity to play, I’m going to give it my all every time.” In five appearances this season, Nolen has recorded two sacks, five tackles for loss, two pass deflections, and returned a fumble for a touchdown.
The 22-year-old admitted that dealing with adversity has been challenging but believes such experiences have shaped his mindset: “At this point in my life, it’s kind of what comes with it,” Nolen said. “Not everything is going to be all gravy and all easy. Usually, people who have a hard road come out more successful anyways.”
As Arizona prepares for its upcoming home game against the Atlanta Falcons—who feature running back Bijan Robinson—defensive coordinator Nick Rallis praised Nolen’s performance against Houston: Rallis highlighted Nolen’s “motor and violence” during that game.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s match at State Farm Stadium with its roof open for fans, Nolen expressed appreciation for their support: “I just want them to know that they can trust in me and depend on me for the rest of time that I’m here,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll give them a show that everybody comes out to watch. It would mean everything if we can give them a W in the last home game.”
Additionally, wide receiver Steven Sims and cornerback Jaden Davis have been elevated from the practice squad for Sunday’s contest.
