The list of major injuries appears to have grown for the Cardinals yesterday. Cornerback Garrett Williams was carted off the field after suffering a non-contact injury. 
Williams was ruled out shortly thereafter, and he is unlikely to return in 2025. The team fears an Achilles tear occurred, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report. An MRI will take place to confirm the presumed diagnosis.
Provided follow-up tests produce the expected result, Williams will be in store for a lengthy recovery period. The Syracuse product made nine appearances as a rookie upon recovering from the ACL tear which ended his college career. Afterwards, Williams became even more of a first-team regular and logged a defensive snap share of 76% in 2024.
Through 10 appearances this season, Williams remained a key figure in the secondary. The 24-year-old started each of those contests, handling a snap share of 81%. His absence will be acutely felt as a result, although the timing of the injury could allow for Williams to return to action in time for the start of next season. 2026 will be critical considering it marks the final year of his rookie contract.
Arizona has been ravaged by injuries on both sides of the ball this season. With a record of 3-12, questions have been raised about changes being imminent on the sidelines or in the front office. The latest update on head coach Jonathan Gannon indicated he will be safe, but losing another contributor for the closing stages of the campaign will of course be an unwanted development.
Williams struggled in coverage this season compared to 2024, allowing five touchdowns as the nearest defender. Still, he posted 56 tackles, one interception, five pass deflections and one forced fumble prior to being injured. An extension could be worked out in this case as early as the coming offseason, but a major injury such as an Achilles tear would no doubt lead to caution on the team’s part regarding a long-term commitment.
