It's been almost a full year since Bilal Nichols put on the Cardinals jersey. He's now one step closer to wearing the uniform.

The Cardinals opened up on Monday the defensive lineman's 21-day practice window to return. Nichols, who was brought in during the 2024 free agency cycle, sustained a stinger in back-to-back games last season. He was placed on Injured Reserve on Oct. 15 with a neck injury. He has been on the Physically Unable to Perform list since the outset of training camp.

In six games played with the Cardinals, Nichols recorded 10 tackles, one quarterback hit, and one tackle for loss.

The Cardinals also officially signed running back Michael Carter to the 53-man roster from the practice squad, and signed veteran running back D'Ernest Johnson to the practice squad.

Nichols' return to the practice field comes as the Cardinals navigate the health of defensive lineman Darius Robinson and Walter Nolen III. Robinson exited Thursday's game with a chest issue. Nolen continues to recover after injuring his calf prior to training camp and remains on PUP.

There have been a handful of practices when Nichols was a spectator during drills.

"When we can get guys back up and get them rolling, we'll get them back and rolling," coach Jonathan Gannon said on Friday. "But they got to be fully healthy and ready to assimilate into a practice before we open the window and put them out there or you're wasting time with it."

Defensive lineman L.J. Collier was placed on Injured Reserve after leaving the Week 2 game against the Panthers with a knee injury.

Throughout the offseason, when many were discussing the additions of Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson to the defensive front seven, Gannon would be quick to remind those that Nichols and Justin Jones (who is also on IR with a knee injury) remain in the building and will provide value.

Nichols and the Cardinals had a bonus practice on Monday after playing Thursday night. The Cardinals host the Titans this weekend.