The 2026 Arizona Cardinals are facing numerous challenges heading into the final preseason game.
There are many personnel questions to smooth out ahead Friday night’s game against the Green Bay Packers. Among these is the EDGE group that is struggling a bit at the moment.
One of those questions is taking a step towards being solves.
The Cardinals announced that star Josh Sweat is being activated from the PUP (physically unable to perform) list as of Monday. Sweat is practicing with the Cardinals as of Monday afternoon before taking the trip to Green Bay.
Sweat, 29, is in the midst of a bizarre offseason. The Cardinals‘ firing of former head coach Jonathan Gannon may not have sit well with Sweat. The former Philadelphia Eagle is still working his way back from a knee issue as well. This is an issue that is recurring from his college days, but has never been a serious issue.
The activation comes on the wheels of months of trade speculation as well. Sweat is now going to receive on-field work and roughly three weeks of time ahead of Arizona’s season opener on September 13.
Arizona Cardinals’ EDGE Group Needs Sweat
GettySweat is working his way back from injury.
Two things can be true in this situation. Arizona’s pass rush group (independent of Sweat) is putting together an uneven showing during offseason programs.
Zaven Collins, Baron Browning, and Darius Robinson are all promising as pass rushers at times, but none are separating themselves.
Sweat’s merit is also a massive piece of this equation. Only six players are ahead of Sweat on the sacks leaderboard (including playoffs) since 2024. Sweat’s experience, elite first step, and high pressure rates are invaluable for a defense that is still finding footing.
There will be much more room for defensive coordinator Nick Rallis to be more creative with his calls with the return of Sweat. This also raises the ceiling for Arizona’s defense, although the consensus is that the unit will be among the weakest in the NFL.
What to Expect From Sweat This Season
GettyIs Sweat making a week one return for Arizona?
Sweat’s expectations are sky-high following a career-best 12 sack season in 2025. While Sweat is over-performing his four-year, $76 million contract, there are still hopes that he anchors the defense.
Sweat ranks seventh at pass rush win rate among the EDGE position (ESPN) despite facing a relatively high double-team rate of 15%. Beyond personal statistical expectations is the hope that the eight-year veteran will serve as a defining leader this season.
The Cardinals’ defensive front is chalk-full of young players, and Sweat’s guidance has a chance to be key in the progression of the unit. Lastly, Arizona is expecting Sweat to take on a large snap share when back to full strength.
The hope is that Sweat will finish out his contract with Arizona, with Monday’s activation serving as the first step towards becoming a reality.
Arizona opens the season against the Los Angeles Chargers on the road. Time will tell if Sweat will be ready to take on the depleted offensive line or not.
Arizona Cardinals Announce Key Josh Sweat Decision Ahead of Week 1