Cardinals' 2025 training camp begins with a major injury scare for LB JJ Russell and rookie Walter Nolen III on the PUP list. Get the latest updates.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The excitement of a new season and the buzz of the first open training camp practice gave way to a sudden, hushed concern on Thursday. The Arizona Cardinals' 2025 campaign began with a stark reminder of the sport's brutality, as linebacker JJ Russell was carted off the field and transported to a local hospital after a frightening collision.
The most important news of the day: the team announced Russell was alert on the field and had movement in all extremities before being taken to the hospital.
What started with cheers from fans at the first of nine open practices ended in near silence. During team drills, linebacker JJ Russell was involved in a heavy collision that left him down on the field. The medical staff was immediately on the scene, and in a powerful display of unity, the entire team gathered around their teammate. Head Coach Jonathan Gannon made the decisive call to end practice early. While the situation is still developing, the initial news provides a glimmer of hope as the team confirmed Russell is being evaluated for a head and neck injury but was alert and had movement in all his limbs.
Unfortunately, Russell's injury wasn't the only medical setback of the day. The Cardinals officially placed first-round draft pick Walter Nolen III on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. The promising defensive lineman suffered a calf injury while training before camp began and is now sidelined indefinitely. The front office is stressing patience, indicating there's no timeline for his return. Losing a key rookie before he even takes a snap is a blow, and it will be an early test of the defensive line's depth.
Before the afternoon's somber turn, the on-field action was electric. Fans got their first look at the 2025 squad, and several storylines are already taking shape. Notably, rookie cornerback Will Johnson was seen taking significant reps with the first-team defense, a strong vote of confidence from the coaching staff. Across the roster, position battles are heating up as expected, with intense competition at both quarterback and wide receiver drawing the most attention from observers. It's clear that no starting job is safe, which should breed excellence as camp progresses.
One area without any drama is player contracts. The Cardinals' front office has created a distraction-free environment by handling business proactively. The recent extension for star tight end Trey McBride set a positive tone, rewarding a cornerstone player and signaling to the locker room that performance is recognized. This stability is a key reason why some national media outlets are pegging the Cardinals as a 'sneaky contender' for 2025, citing improved depth and a positive culture as reasons for a potential breakout season.
Thursday was a rollercoaster of emotions for Cardinals fans. The primary focus now shifts to the health of JJ Russell, with the entire fanbase awaiting positive news. His injury, coupled with the absence of Walter Nolen III, puts immediate pressure on the team's depth. However, the foundation of a competitive, stable, and hungry team is clearly in place. As camp continues, all eyes will be on the injury report, but also on the fierce competitions that will shape the roster for a season that still holds immense promise.
