The Arizona Cardinals have received unfortunate news as promising young linebacker BJ Ojulari will miss the upcoming season due to a torn ACL sustained in practice on Friday, according to NFL Network. Ojulari, a second-round draft pick in 2023, had a strong rookie season, recording four sacks. Despite the Cardinals’ struggles on defense last season, finishing with a 4-13 record, Ojulari was expected to be a key player in the defensive unit’s improvement this year. He is considered one of the team’s top edge rushers.
Though Ojulari didn’t start any games during the 2023 season, he played in all 17 games, making his injury a significant setback for the defense. Ojulari played college football at LSU.
Cardinals Season Outlook for 2024
The Cardinals, one of the younger teams in the NFL, faced challenges in 2023 due to their youth and inexperience, particularly on defense. With the right leadership and experience, the team has potential for significant improvement.
With Ojulari sidelined, the Cardinals will need to find a solution on defense. Dennis Gardeck and Victor Dimukeje are expected to fill the outside linebacker spot. Additionally, this injury presents an opportunity for roster bubble players like Jesse Luketa to step up and prove their worth.
