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Arizona Cardinals CB Room Will be Impacted by Garrett Williams Return

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The Cardinals are heading into 2026 with Garrett Williams in tow
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Garrett Williams is returning from a serious injury.

The Arizona Cardinals are entering preseason game number three tonight, as they take on the Dallas Cowboys at home.

This is in the face of receiving positive injury news, as CB Garrett Williams is now off og the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. This comes just eight months after Williams suffered a torn achilles in a December 21 game.

Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic is reporting that Williams is taking part in light drills at practice this week. While optimism is abound that the talented fourth-year player will make a return for week one, there isn’t yet a guarantee.

Follow the fallout from the move below, as well as the implications for the cornerback room.

Arizona Cardinals Need Williams’ Presence

The Cardinals defense is in need of Garrett Williams contributions

GettyWilliams is coming off of an achilles tear.

The Arizona defense is more promising on average than given credit for. The Cardinals are rostering two former first round picks (Darius Robinson, Walter Nolen) on the defensive line.

Dadrion Taylor-Demerson is a promising young safety in opposition of Budda Baker. The cornerback position is promising independent of Williams as well. Will Johnson is perhaps the most intriguing prospect on the entire roster, while second-year Denzel Ward is coming off of a standout rookie season.
Arizona remains in need of Williams’ high-end ability, however. The Syracuse product put together one of the best seasons from a slot corner in 2024. This includes putting forward an 83.7 coverage grade (Darren Urban, PFF), placing him in second place at the slot for that season.
Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis – entering year three- needs Williams to get the most out of his defense. Williams is instinctive and processes information at a breakneck speed. The 2023 third-round selection is also a fluid mover, and is a regular in attacking the run game from his position.
The Cardinals absolutely need the energy, high football IQ, and relentless attacking that Williams provides.

What Will Cardinals’ CB Room Look Like?

The Cardinals defense is seeking to take another step forward

GettyTEMPE, ARIZONA – MAY 08: (L-R) Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis and head coach Mike LaFleur of the Arizona Cardinals talk during a team rookie mincamp at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center on May 08, 2026 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Burke and Johnson are expecting to slide in as the boundary cornerbacks. Williams, in turn, is going to be a starting slot cornerback when he returns. This is in reversal from receiving an expanded opportunity on the outside during the 2025 campaign.

The timing of Williams’ return leaves the door open for others to step up as well. Isaiah Oliver and Kei’trel Clark are competing for depth chart positioning – potentially a chance to start if Williams is unable to go week one.

Outside of this, the fourth-year cornerback is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He is due a base salary of $3,674,000 this season and is attempting to cash-out on a trajectory that transformed him into one of the best slot corners in the NFL.

In the meantime, Arizona is playing the Dallas Cowboys in preseason action tonight at 7:00 P.M. AZT.

Kevin Hicks Kevin is a 2024 graduate of Arizona State University. He has over three years of experience in media, having crafted his passion for multiple sports with a polished, distinct storytelling style. More about Kevin Hicks

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Arizona Cardinals CB Room Will be Impacted by Garrett Williams Return

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