Will Hernandez is nearing a return to the Arizona Cardinals after recovering from an ACL tear suffered last season. Upon his return to the team, Hernandez received a standing ovation from his teammates, reflecting both his popularity in the locker room and their recognition of his efforts during rehabilitation.
The veteran guard, who was a free agent before re-signing with the Cardinals last week, acknowledged some uncertainty during the offseason but stated that his goal was always to come back for an eighth NFL season in Arizona. “What we built here the last couple of years, it isn’t just something you get up and leave,” Hernandez said.
Currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list, Hernandez indicated he is close to resuming practice. He has spent time training in an MMA gym’s wrestling room to test his knee and maintain fitness. According to Hernandez, he has exceeded expectations regarding his recovery speed and described returning to practice as “a matter of time.”
Head coach Jonathan Gannon has confirmed that Evan Brown and Isaiah Adams are set as starting guards for now. However, Hernandez emphasized he will compete for playing time rather than assume a backup role. “The way I see it, it’s up to me,” Hernandez said. “I understand nothing in this league is given. … The way things are now (can) be completely different later on. Me knowing that’s really up to me, not up to anyone else, is what keeps me calm.”
Hernandez’s presence in the facility has been welcomed by teammates and staff alike. He spoke about how this injury provided him with an opportunity to demonstrate resilience and leadership: “The coolest thing about this experience is that I was able to confirm what I always preach to the guys” Hernandez said. “I was always that guy, whoop and holler, try to motivate guys on the side, get in their ear, get the negativity out of them, try and have them see the bigger picture. But I had never really been tested, if I’m being honest. I’ve never had surgery for anything.
“This was a chance to prove to myself everything I’ve always talked about.”
