ARLINGTON, Texas – On the stage of national television and "Monday Night Football," Walter Nolen III will make his debut for the Cardinals.
The Cardinals officially activated their first-round defensive lineman from the Physically Unable to Perform list on Monday afternoon, clearing the way for him to make his first NFL appearance against the Cowboys.
The Cardinals also activated cornerback Garrett Williams from Injured Reserve so he too can play against the Cowboys.
The roster spots for both were already available after the Cards released running back Michael Carter and cornerback Darren Hall last week. Both Carter and Hall were brought back to the practice squad.
That helps, because Carter has been elevated for the Dallas game, joining Bam Knight and Emari Demercado, who will be back after missing a game with an ankle injury.
Williams should slide right back into the starting role he had when he got hurt in Week 2. But Nolen will be a new dynamic on the defensive line.
"(Walter) does not look like he is tired or out of shape out there," defensive coordinator Nick Rallis said. "Also, being able to go out and execute our stuff has been impressive. It's hard to be out that long and execute mentally from a high level. Even if you are working hard at it, there is something different to being out there."
Nolen's snap count will be determined not only by the coaching staff but also from the medical staff as they work him back into games.
"I feel I can contribute a lot," Nolen said. "That's just how I carry myself. I feel I can do whatever in the world. Whenever I get the chance to get back out there I feel I can contribute a lot."
