Arizona Cardinals designate rookie CB Garrett Williams for return off NFI
The Arizona Cardinals designated 2023 third-round draft pick and cornerback Garrett Williams for return from the non-football injury list on Wednesday.
Additionally, Arizona designated offensive lineman Dennis Daley to return from injured reserve.
With the designations, Williams and Daley can begin practicing and have a three-week window to be activated to the 53-man roster.
The move to designate Williams comes after the team released a pair of cornerbacks in Christian Matthew and Kris Boyd on Monday, two depth pieces that were used primarily as special teamers through the first four games of 2023.
If fellow rookie and starter Kei’Trel Clark’s usage is any indication, Williams could be in line for a hefty workload.
Throughout the offseason and into the regular season, head coach Jonathan Gannon and others have continued to praise Williams’ work ethic and overall drive.
And given his body of work before joining the Cardinals’ ranks, there’s a good chance Williams makes his presence felt.
Appearing in 32 games (28 starts) for Syracuse from 2019-22, Williams racked up 152 tackles, 9.5 of which were for losses, two sacks, four interceptions, 27 passes defensed, a forced fumble and recovery. He picked up three All-ACC selections and a freshman All-American nod along the way.
Even in a shortened 2022 season due to the torn ACL, Williams still earned honorable mention All-ACC honors after recording two interceptions and three passes defensed across seven starts.
“I like making those plays that bring the crowd to their feet, feeling that shift in energy and momentum for your team,” Williams told Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke in June.
“I realized I can make those types of plays not by just picking the ball up but by having big hits and making those types of plays in the run game, too.”
The Cardinals currently have Clark, Antonio Hamilton Sr., Marco Wilson and Starling Thomas V on the 53-man roster.
Arizona also has Bobby Price and Divaad Wilson that could be elevated off the practice squad if needed.
Daley’s designation comes after the team released guard Ilm Manning on Monday.
The veteran lineman was placed on IR on Aug. 31 with an ankle injury after seeing a lot of work with the second team in addition to some run with the 1s during training camp.
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There is a possibility that the Arizona Cardinals’ starting quarterback, Kyler Murray, might not play this season. The Cardinals will not activate him from the PUP list yet. It might be weeks away from his return. He is still recovering from a torn ACL last December.
Why would the Cardinals not play their starting quarterback if he is their best chance at winning? The answer lies in his contract. The Cardinals would save money if they don’t play Kyler because of the injury guarantee clause. If he gets injured, Arizona will be on the hook for his $56 million guarantee and the possibility of making $92 million.
There is a possibility that Arizona will get rid of him this offseason because they have a new Head Coach and General Manager. The Head Coach and the GM have no obligation to Murray because they didn’t draft or sign him. Expect Arizona to draft a quarterback in the first round. This will be determined by how Joshua Dobbs plays this year.
There is a possibility that Arizona will get rid of him this offseason because they have a new Head Coach and General Manager. The Head Coach and the GM have no obligation to Murray because they didn’t draft or sign him. Expect Arizona to draft a quarterback in the first round. This will be determined by how Joshua Dobbs plays this year.
Arizona went 5-10-1 in Kyler’s rookie season. Kyler threw for 3,722 yards with a 64.4% completion percentage, 6.9 yards per attempt, 20 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He had 93 rushes for 544 yards and four rushing touchdowns, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Arizona went 8-8 in Murray’s second season. Kyler threw for 3,971 yards with a 67.2% completion percentage, 7.1 yards per attempt, 26 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He had 133 rushes for 819 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns, making his first Pro Bowl.
Arizona started 2021 with a 7-0 record. The Cardinals lost to the Green Bay Packers in Week 8 on Thursday Night Football because he threw an interception at the goal line. Kyler suffered an ankle injury and missed the next three games. Kyler returned in Week 13 and finished the regular season with an 11-6 record. In 14 games, Kyler had 3,787 passing yards, 69.2% completion percentage, 7.9 yards per attempt, 24 passing touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Murray had 88 rushes for 423 yards and five rushing touchdowns, making his second Pro Bowl. Arizona got blown out by the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round.
On July 21, 2022, he agreed to a 5-year, $230.5 million extension with the Cardinals, plus $160 million guaranteed. Part of the contract included a film study clause. There has been criticism that Kyler doesn’t watch films. After backlash, the team removed the film study provision.
Kyler tore his ACL against the New England Patriots. Kyler was 3-8 as the starting quarterback, throwing for 2,368 yards with a 66.4% completion percentage, 6.1 yards per attempt, 14 passing touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Murray had 67 rushes for 418 yards and three touchdowns.
Joshua Dobbs is currently the starting quarterback for the Cardinals. They are impressed with his performance. Dobbs has thrown for 814 yards, with a 70.7% completion percentage, 6.6 yards per attempt, and four touchdown passes.
If Arizona decides to sit Kyler for the rest of the season, Joshua Dobbs will continue to be the starting quarterback. The business decision would be not to play Murray this season. Then, trade Murray in the offseason and draft Murray’s replacement.
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