The good news about the Cardinals’ PUP list additions and other training camp takeaways

GLENDALE — Nothing like a couple of on-the-field curveballs to kick off Arizona Cardinals training camp.

Not only did Cardinals pass rusher Josh Sweat find his way to the physically unable to perform list, starting left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. is also starting camp on the sideline. Both are dealing with knee issues.

The good news? It appears both are expected back very soon. As head coach Mike LaFleur said Thursday, it was “maintenance” more than anything else — even if Johnson is looking for a new contract extension and there were trade whispers around Sweat throughout the offseason.

“The Paris thing, that’s honestly nothing. … He’ll be back before you know it,” LaFleur said. “No problems with Paris. Same thing with Josh. Seeing him yesterday, he’s fired up to be here. He was in great spirits. He looks really good. He’s in a good spot right now and I expect them at some point.

“We’re going to take it one block at a time. … We have a four-day block — three practices, one jog-through in there and then a day off. (Sweat is) not going to be back for this block and we’ll reassess but he’s in a good place right now.”

Having multiple players on the PUP list, especially four starters, isn’t the way any team wants to start camp.

There is, however, a silver lining to it all.

Sure, Johnson and Sweat were surprises. Garrett Williams and Tip Reiman felt like givens to start on PUP.

But it’s who didn’t end up on the PUP list to start camp that should provide some optimism. Despite not seeing Walter Nolen III take part in any of Arizona’s offseason work leading up to camp due to a torn meniscus suffered last year, he avoided the PUP list.

The young defensive lineman couldn’t say that last year as a rookie.

When healthy, Nolen proved he can be a game changer for the franchise.

In his six games played, Nolen racked up two sacks, seven pressures, two passes defensed, five tackles for loss and a fumble recovery for a touchdown.

He’s on the fast track to being an every-game starter if he can stay on the field.

Avoiding the PUP and taking the field for the first day of training camp practice is a good first step in that direction.

It’s not just him, though.

Seeing both running backs James Conner and Trey Benson avoid the PUP list after working off to the side throughout organized team activities and minicamp was another plus early on into camp.

A good reminder that the Cardinals sport one of the deepest running back rooms in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/QlANEZAlZE

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) July 24, 2026

But what their roles look like in 2026 remains up for debate.

On top of getting fully healthy, Conner and Benson have Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier to contend with for snaps.

The Love-Allgeier duo, both brought over this offseason, appear headed for a one-two punch LaFleur is going to lean on.

There’s a new direction the team is headed in the backfield. How do Conner and Benson fit into the equation?

Cardinals training camp odds and ends

Gardner Minshew II still running with the 1s

Cardinals safety Budda Baker is going to have to wait for his chance at picking off Jacoby Brissett.

Despite the veteran returning to practice on Thursday amid ongoing contract talks, he was not running with the first-team offense during the open portion of work.

Instead, it was Gardner Minshew II, who has been Arizona’s primary first-team QB throughout the offseason.

Carson Beck and Kedon Slovis followed suit in that order.

Getting ramped up — and potentially inking a new contract — are likely the one things holding up Brissett from working his way back in with the first team.

Isaiah Adams back at work

Cardinals offensive guard Isaiah Adams took part in Thursday’s practice after he turned himself into Canadian authorities due to multiple firearm charges.

Cardinals OL Isaiah Adams is back in Arizona after he turned himself into Canadian authorities over the weekend due to multiple firearm charges.

He got a lot of work in with the first-team offense today.

“He’s doing good” – Mike LaFleur pic.twitter.com/siotaATEvt

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) July 24, 2026

Despite the recent arrest, Adams was mainly running with the first-team offense during practice.

His spot in the starting lineup was already in question before the off-the-field issue, with rookie Chase Bisontis a huge threat at usurping the veteran.

Slowly but surely?

Jeremiyah Love found himself behind Tyler Allgeier for a lot of Thursday’s drills. The rookie did, however, see some more first-team reps than he did during OTAs and minicamp.

It’s expected Love takes over as Arizona’s RB1, with Allgeier filling in like he did behind Bijan Robinson in Atlanta.

This felt like one of those small steps toward making that a reality.

A tight end to watch

While Reiman continues to work his way back to full strength, a name to watch until his return is Teagan Quitoriano.

Another strong blocking tight end option, he could fit in well alongside playmakers Trey McBride and Elijah Higgins.

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