Cardinals GM: Josh Sweat in a ‘great spot’ after offseason procedure

Arizona Cardinals pass rusher Josh Sweat underwent an offseason procedure but is in a great spot ahead of the franchise’s season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, general manager Monti Ossenfort told Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke on Friday.

“Josh came off the PUP list here a couple weeks ago working his way back from an offseason procedure. Josh is in a great spot,” Ossenfort said. “Excited to have him out there on Sunday and let it rip.”

 

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Ossenfort did not specify the type of procedure or what body part was worked on, though Sweat did miss the first day of Week 1 practice due to rest and his knee. He has sported a brace on his left knee after a devastating dislocation in high school that could have ruined his football career in 2014.

This past offseason was filled with plenty of Sweat trade chatter. The speculation only heightened when he was absent for voluntary organized team activities before landing on the physically unable to perform list to start training camp.

Ossenfort’s comments don’t completely clear things up on the Sweat trade chatter and whether he asked for a trade following the firing of head coach Jonathan Gannon but does somewhat explain the extended time on the PUP list despite head coach Mike LaFleur calling the issue more maintenance based.

Sweat has yet to speak with the media this year.

Regardless of what went down in the offseason, having Sweat back in the fold this week is key if the Cardinals hope to steal one in Los Angeles.

The premier pass rusher is coming off a career high 12 sacks to go along with 13 tackles for loss and 17 QB hits.

Beyond Sweat, there is a steep dropoff in pass-rushing production, with the next highest sackgetters (Walter Nolen III and Baron Browning) still on the team tallying just two sacks.

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