The Arizona Cardinals pulled the trigger on Thursday, officially activating cornerback Garrett Williams from the active/physically unable to perform list. This move kicks off a 24-day countdown for Williams to be fully ready for Week 1 when the Cardinals face the Chargers. That’s a serious deadline after everything he’s been through!
The Long Road Back to the Field
Williams has been battling, man. We’re talking about an Achilles tear that sidelined him way back on December 21 last season against the Falcons. Before that, he even missed five games earlier the same season with a knee injury. So yeah, he’s seen his share of the injury report. Coach Mike LaFleur did say back in June that Williams had a shot to play in the season opener, but now with August 20th hitting, that “shot” is a full-on countdown. How fast can he regain that elite explosiveness and mental sharpness after all that? It’s a huge test for him, no doubt.
What His Return Means For That Secondary
When Williams was on the field last season, he absolutely showed up. In just 10 games, he snagged an interception, broke up five passes, forced a fumble, and racked up 46 tackles. Those aren’t filler stats, that’s serious production! Getting that kind of play-making ability back, even with limited prep for Week 1, could be huge for the Cardinals’ secondary. A strong defensive backfield can make or break a season, and Williams’ talent is undeniable when healthy. If he can hit the ground running, it’s a massive win for their defense, and they’re banking on it.
Still Guys Waiting on the Sidelines
Even with Williams back, the Cardinals still have key guys on the active/PUP list. Outside linebacker Josh Sweat has a knee injury, and tight end Tip Reiman is dealing with an ankle problem. But Coach LaFleur is super confident about Sweat, saying “whether you believe me or not, I’m not worried about him for Sept. 13, at all.” That’s a bold statement from the head coach, showing faith Sweat will be ready. So while Sweat and Reiman rehab, Williams’ activation is the main event, setting up an intense push to Week 1.
With Week 1 against the Chargers coming up, every single day counts for Garrett Williams. Can he shed the rust and those injury concerns in under a month? This is about being sharp, physical, and mentally tough enough for NFL competition on September 13. The Cardinals are counting on him. We’ll be watching to see if he pulls off this epic comeback in time. It’s gonna be wild!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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