As training camp got underway on July 23, 2025, the Arizona Cardinals provided an update on two injured defensive lineman. Here are the details you need to know:
BJ Ojulari: Still Recovering
BJ Ojulari (knee) was placed on the active/PUP list Wednesday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals’ official site reports.
Ojulari tore his ACL in training camp one year ago. He was reportedly close to returning to the practice field during offseason practices, so his stay on the PUP list will presumably be short.
Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon said in June that Ojulari was progressing in his rehab while taking on a “one-day-at-a-time mindset,” per Urban. A 2023 second-round pick, Ojulari recorded 40 tackles, including 4.0 sacks, on 394 defensive snaps across 17 regular-season games as a rookie.
Bilal Nichols: Unable to Practice
Norm Hall/GettyMatthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams is sacked by Bilal Nichols of the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona.
Bilal Nichols (neck) was placed on the active/PUP list Wednesday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals’ official site reports.
Nichols, 28, had his 2024 season cut short by a stinger, but he was able to practice in OTAs heading into training camp. It’s unclear if he’s suffered a setback, but regardless, he won’t begin camp on the practice field.
Nichols played in 6 games for the Cardinals in 2024 before his injury, recording 10 tackles and 4 assists. He previously spent two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 and 2023 after spending his first four seasons in the NFL with the Chicago Bears. His best seasons came in 2021, when he had 44 tackles and 3 sacks, and 2020, when he had 40 tackles with 5 sacks.
Cardinals Provide Disappointing Injury Updates on 2 Players as Camp Starts