Concerns arise as Cardinals' standout pass rusher BJ Ojulari suffers injury in practice
ICARO Media Group
The Arizona Cardinals returned to the field on Friday, ready to showcase their skills in full pads. The practice session appeared to be promising as both the defense and offense demonstrated their prowess. However, a somber moment occurred when outside linebacker BJ Ojulari went down during an 11-on-11 play. Ojulari seemed to be experiencing trouble with his left leg and required assistance from trainers to reach the locker room. Although he didn't need to be carted off, the potential injury to the team's top pass rusher raises concerns, especially regarding the Cardinals' edge players.
Saturday's practice will feature a press conference by defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, which will hopefully provide an update on Ojulari's condition. The team and its fans anxiously await more information, as any significant setback to their most formidable pass rusher could have a significant impact on their defensive capabilities. In the event that Ojulari's absence becomes prolonged, the Cardinals still have an open roster spot after releasing offensive lineman Carter O'Donnell earlier in camp.
Right tackle Jonah Williams, who was responsible for blocking Ojulari during the play where he got injured, expressed his concern, saying, "It's football. I hope he's alright. He's a great player, and I enjoy playing with him." The Cardinals' offensive line has witnessed firsthand the talent and contribution that Ojulari brings to the table, making his potential absence all the more concerning.
While Ojulari's injury cast a shadow over the practice, there were notable performances from other players. Darius Robinson displayed his playmaking abilities with a couple of sacks and an impressive tackle for loss. Linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. intercepted a screen pass from quarterback Desmond Ridder, while safety Verone McKinley III grabbed his second interception of camp by picking off Clayton Tune on the final play of the session.
The offense also had its moments to shine. Wide receiver Greg Dortch, who has been consistently excellent throughout camp, made multiple impressive catches during 7-on-7 drills, including an eye-catching one-handed grab from Tune. Michael Wilson, another standout player in camp, hauled in a deep pass from quarterback Kyler Murray with precision.
Marvin Harrison Jr. caught attention with a remarkable leaping one-handed attempt in traffic, highlighting the exceptional talent he possesses. Although he couldn't quite reel in the catch, it showcased his potential as a key asset for the Cardinals' offense.
Unfortunately, the Cardinals were without several key players due to undisclosed issues. Center Hjalte Froholdt, wide receiver Zay Jones, defensive linemen Justin Jones and Naquan Jones, and cornerback Kei'Trel Clark were all absent from practice. Furthermore, cornerback Elijah Jones also left the field early.
In other news, the Cardinals had an NFL officiating crew present during practice, providing players and media with a presentation on rule changes and expectations for the upcoming season. Notably, the hip-drop tackle has been banned, emphasizing player safety. Additionally, teams attempting onside kicks in the fourth quarter must now inform their opponents beforehand. Moreover, if the kicking team fails to kick the ball beyond the opposing team's 40-yard line, it will result in a penalty, making onside kicks even more challenging to execute successfully.
As the Cardinals continue their training camp, the focus remains on BJ Ojulari's injury and his potential impact on the team's pass rush. All eyes will be on the updates provided by Jonathan Gannon, as the Cardinals aim to overcome any obstacles and prepare for a successful season.