As Darius Robinson took to the practice field this week for the Cardinals' last few workouts before the first week of the regular season began, the defensive lineman got reflective.

It had been the same timeframe of 2024 -- Aug. 22 to be exact -- when his calf gave out on the field at the Dignity Health Training Center and officially derailed his excellent preseason and his rookie year to come.

"That had been on my mind the past few days," Robinson said through his ever-present smile. "Being grateful to go out each day and be in the present."

Robinson is the perfect teammate to have for rookie defensive lineman Walter Nolen III, to be honest. Robinson is quick to say he's not comparing himself -- who played only six games last season because of that calf injury -- to Nolen and Nolen's calf injury. But realistically, Robinson does have that recent experience with which to confer to Nolen.

"I let him know he needs a positive mindframe and working toward the (health) goal each day," Robinson said. "I'm excited to see him doing a little more each day and I am happy I can support him."

Nolen will have his own journey as a rookie to make something of a season that won't be whole. Robinson made it through himself, and while it was difficult at times, he has turned it into a personal positive. That's what Robinson does.

"That chapter of my life was my redshirt rookie year," Robinson said. "I got to play six games, I got to experience the NFL schedule a little bit but I didn't get the full (season). It's going to be a fun year, but (I'm) really focusing on one day at a time."