Josh Sweat, the Cardinals’ outside linebacker, just got placed on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list to kick off training camp, which, yeah, raises some eyebrows after an offseason full of chatter.
That Offseason Drama? Maybe Not What It Seemed
Dude, the offseason was wild for Sweat. Trade rumors were flying, with the Cardinals getting calls about him. And then he missed all the voluntary offseason program, choosing his own workout path, just like he’s done before. You had to wonder if it was tied to Jonathan Gannon getting fired, especially since Sweat followed Gannon from Philly after two seasons with the Eagles. Those questions just kept piling up, right up until the PUP list announcement this week.
Coach LaFleur Is NOT Worried. At All.
But here’s the kicker: Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur totally shut down any worry on Friday. He said flat-out that putting Sweat on PUP is all about his ramp-up for training camp, not some deep-seated unhappiness from a guy who’s been a Pro Bowler. LaFleur was like, “I’m going to say no,” when asked about discontent, adding that he sees zero issues and Sweat has never expressed anything negative to him. LaFleur also clarified that even though Sweat skipped the voluntary field work, he was still around the Dignity Health Training Center and in constant touch with the team. “Everyone is on the same page the entire time,” LaFleur stressed. He’s not worried about Sweat’s health one bit. He said Sweat has logged serious miles in this league, and this plan is what’s best for both Sweat and the Cardinals, making sure he peaks for the Sept. 13 opener and can handle the grind of a 17-game season with that motor he plays with.
So yeah, while the PUP tag might look scary on paper, LaFleur is selling pure confidence. Sweat led the team with a career-high 12 sacks last season, so the guy’s a beast. Sounds like they’re just making sure he’s absolutely primed and ready to dominate when the season kicks off on September 13th. We’ll see if this ramp-up strategy pays off big time.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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