Garrett Williams returned from the non-football injured list and began working out for the Arizona Cardinals

Syracuse defensive back Garrett Williams (8) celebrates after making a tackle for loss against N.C. State. State on October 15, 2022 at the JMA Wireless Dome. Williams returned to the football field on Wednesday for his first practice with the Arizona Cardinals. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com

Syracuse, N.Y. – Former Syracuse captain and football star Garrett Williams is back on the football field after nearly a year of recovery from an ACL injury.

Williams was removed from the non-football injury list by the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday and participated in his first practice after being selected 72nd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. FIND OUT MORE

The Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday designated third-round pick and 2023 draft quarterback Garrett Williams to return from the non-football injured list.

Additionally, Arizona placed offensive lineman Dennis Daley back from injured reserve.

With these designations, Williams and Daley can begin practicing and have three weeks to be activated to the 53-man roster.

The decision to designate Williams comes after the team on Monday released a pair of cornerbacks, Christian Matthew and Kris Boyd, two depth pieces used primarily on special teams in the first four games of the year 2023.

If the use of fellow rookie Kei’Trel Clark is any indication, Williams could face a heavy 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 love making plays that get the crowd on its feet, feeling the change in energy and momentum for your team,” Williams told Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke in June.

“I realized I could make plays like that to not only pick up the ball but make big plays and make plays like that in the run game.”

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, who could be dropped from the practice squad if necessary.

Daley’s designation comes after the team released guard Ilm Manning on Monday.

The veteran soldier was placed on IR on August 1. 31 suffered an ankle injury after working a lot with the second team plus some first team carries during training camp.

Daley will slide behind Elijah Wilkinson at left guard.

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Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback Kyler Murray may not play this season. The Cardinals will not activate him from the PUP list just yet. It may be several weeks before he returns. He is still recovering from his ACL tear last December.

Why don’t the Cardinals play their starting quarterback if he’s their best chance to win? The answer lies in his contract. The Cardinals would save money if they didn’t use Kyler because of the injury guarantee clause. If he gets hurt, Arizona would have to pay his $56 million guarantee and potentially earn $92 million. There’s a chance Arizona gets rid of him this offseason since they have a new Chief