Going into the game against the Colts, there was a feeling of uncertainty that hung over Will Hernandez.
Having missed a year after tearing ligaments in his knee, Hernandez was thrilled that he was able to play a few series against the Titans in Week 5. But it was a totally different scenario when he learned Sunday would be the first time he would play in a full game since Week 4 of 2024.
"It was very unknown how you would feel," Hernandez said. "But I knew I was going to come out and give it my all."
After the first few snaps, it became clear to Hernandez that he was back to his old self, the lineman who was playing some his best football before the ACL injury. The doctors said they were hopeful that it'd be the case, yet experiencing it was a different story.
"I felt it already in my heart and in my head," Hernandez said. "I knew I was going to get it done. It's just building and becoming a better player from here on out."
Hernandez has reclaimed his spot as the Cardinals' starting right guard. Sunday's game marked the first time since the 2024 season opener that the starting offensive line consisted of Hernandez, Paris Johnson Jr., Evan Brown, Hjalte Froholdt, and Jonah Williams.
It may take some time for the unit to gel, but it's a benefit as the Cardinals hope to generate a more consistent rushing attack. The task this week comes against the top rushing defense in the NFL. The Packers allow an average of 73 rushing yards per game.
"It's about the toughness down there," Johnson said. "When you are down with your hand in the ground, you're not thinking about the stats or what they did the week before. It's about what am I about to do right now? We'll make sure we handle that on Sunday."
Hernandez replaced Isaiah Adams at right guard. Adams' progression at the position was a key storyline throughout the offseason. Coach Jonathan Gannon routinely praised the 2024 third-round selection. But in five starts, Adams had his struggles, and Hernandez earned the job back.
Gannon said he is not concerned about Adams' confidence taking a hit.
"He'll prepare and practice and do everything that he needs to do to get ready to play," Gannon said. "I don't question that at all. Like we said, roles change, so he's got to be ready to go."
In the game against the Titans, Adams started, but it was in place of the injured Evan Brown at left guard. Adams had started 14 starts at left guard over his two seasons at Illinois. When asked about potentially utilizing Adams' versatility and moving him to left guard, which would set up a competition with Brown, Gannon doubled down on the preparation.
"Besides the quarterbacks, almost everybody on our team has to be cross trained in some sort of capacity," Gannon said. "Throughout the week, on game day, you've got to be ready to put on that hat and execute."
Having been described as an "enforcer" by many of his teammates, Hernandez's presence on the offensive line gives it that mean streak which opposing defenses fear. Now that "Big Mijo" is back and healthy, he's expecting big things from the offensive line.
There is no uncertainty about it.
"The sky is the limit for us," Hernandez said. "Because not only do I know those guy's mentality and they know mine, but once we get rolling, there's no stopping us. We're not just one-hit wonders or one-trick ponies. We are always aiming to get better no matter how well we do."
Images of the Arizona Cardinals practicing at the Dignity Health Training Facility before the Week 7 regular season matchup against the Green Bay Packers, presented by Gatorade
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Xavier Thomas (54) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Denzel Daxon (59) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman PJ Mustipher (79) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) and Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Elliott Brown (41) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jon Gaines II (71) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Cody Simon (50) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow (95) and Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman PJ Mustipher (79) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kedon Slovis (19) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Jermar Jefferson (43) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Cody Simon (50) and Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Dadrion "Rabbit" Taylor-Demerson (42) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke (29) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon and Arizona Cardinals General Manager Monti Ossenfort during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dante Stills (55) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jordan Burch (52) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (20) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
