Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon told reporter that first-round DT Walter Nolen injured his calf during training and is going to miss a chunk of time, per Josh Weinfuss.
Gannon didn’t commit to Nolen being ready in time for Week 1 either.
Soft tissue injuries like calves and hamstrings are common this time of year as players ramp up and can linger for a while.
Nolen, 21, was a five-star recruit, the top-ranked defensive lineman and the No. 2 overall prospect behind Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter in the 2022 recruiting class out of Powell, Tennessee. He committed to Texas A&M in November 2021 but transferred after two seasons when former HC Jimbo Fisher was let go.
Nolen entered the portal and landed with Ole Miss in December 2023 for the 2024 season. He earned consensus All-American honors and first-team All-SEC in 2024 with the Rebels.
The Cardinals used the No. 16 overall pick in round one on Nolen. He’s projected to sign a four-year, $19,340,170 contract that includes a $10,705,575 signing bonus. The contract includes a fifth-year option for the team to pick up in 2028.
In his collegiate career, Nolen appeared in 35 games over three seasons and made 27 starts. He recorded 114 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, one forced fumble and four passes defended.
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