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. He can in theory be activated as soon as Sunday's game against Tennessee, although for a player who has been out for so long, Nichols may need a longer ramp-up.
"The addition of Bilal back, that's going to be huge," defensive lineman Calais Campbell said. "He worked really hard to get back. The whole time I've been here, just seeing his work and seeing the way he pushes himself. Knowing his history in this league and what he has done, he is a guy that I want in my foxhole and I'm excited to have him back."
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.
With a game that is as physical as football, injuries are inevitable. Campbell shared he was still feeling the effects of Thursday's game against the Seahawks.
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.
While they lost L.J. Collier and Justin Jones to injured reserve for the foreseeable future, there is excitement around what the defensive line room will look like once fully healthy.
"We have a lot of talent, that's for sure, but we just got to get everybody on the field together at the same time," Campbell said. "We just need to keep doing our part until everybody is back. I know Walter is a very talented guy and he's making his progress. When the time comes, I think the whole world is going to be excited to see what he can do. Including me."
When Jonathan Gannon was asked if he was concerned about Nolen's window not being opened on Monday, the answer was a simple "no."
Players who began the season on the PUP or injured reserve list can have their practice windows opened at any point. Including Nolen, the Cardinals can open up the 21-day practice window for outside linebacker BJ Ojulari. Gannon did not provide much more information on their statuses.
"When we can get guys back up and get them rolling, we'll get them back and rolling," 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."
Throughout the offseason, when many were discussing the additions of 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.
"He's a good football player," Gannon said. "He can play a couple of different hats for us. Good to have him back out there today. He plays the way we want him to play. He's got energy and juice, so it was good to see him out there."
INJURY UPDATE: Nichols and the Cardinals had a bonus practice on Monday after playing Thursday night. Cornerback Will Johnson returned to practice after missing the last two games with a groin injury. When asked if he is trending towards playing, Gannon said the rookie was "taking it day by day" before saying "hopefully we'll get him back out there."
Campbell, Robinson, linebacker Mack Wilson Sr., and running back Trey Benson did not participate. The first official injury report will be out Wednesday. The Cardinals host the Titans on Sunday.
