When Sweat returned to practice, he joined in limited fashion, primarily doing individual drills to ramp up his workload. His involvement in team drills has been limited, and this approach continued through joint practices with the Green Bay Packers ahead of their upcoming preseason game.
Friday’s preseason game represents Sweat’s only opportunity for live game action before the regular season. Given the cautious approach to his ramp-up, the Cardinals are unlikely to push him into action unless he’s clearly ready to go and fully protected against re-injury.
Reactions from Cardinals players reflect the potential impact Sweat can have on the defense. Tight end Trey McBride highlighted the excitement around seeing Sweat in a uniform again, noting his long track record of success and the significant boost his presence could provide. Defensive lineman Roy Lopez underscored the leadership and energy Sweat brings, describing the anticipation of watching him play and the positive effect he has on teammates.
Offseason rumors had swirling around Sweat, including chatter about a possible trade, with Green Bay among the teams mentioned. Those rumors persisted even as Sweat continued his four-year, $76 million contract with the Cardinals, a deal signed before the 2025 season to align with defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who previously coached Sweat with the Eagles. Gannon later moved to Green Bay, fueling the speculation at times, but no trade materialized. The focus now shifts to Sweat’s health and readiness for the 2026 season, during which the Cardinals aim to strengthen their defense with his presence on the edge.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Sweat’s progression. If he returns to full strength and acclimates quickly, he could become a key figure in the Cardinals’ pass rush, helping to elevate the team’s overall defensive performance. For now, the organization will monitor his workload carefully, ensuring he’s prepared for the grind of a full NFL season while minimizing the risk of re-injury.
