Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker BJ Ojulari suffered a devastating injury during practice that will sideline him for the entire 2024 NFL season. The talented player, who was a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, tore his ACL in his left knee and was carted off the field during Friday’s practice.
NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported the news, stating that Ojulari will not be able to return to the field until next season. This news comes as a major blow to the Cardinals, who had high hopes for the young linebacker.
“Dennis Gardeck should play a bigger role for the Cards in Ojulari’s absence, and Victor Dimukeje is likely to see more reps at outside backer as well,” reports Wolfe. With Ojulari out, the Cardinals will need other players to step up and fill the void left by his absence.
Although Ojulari did not start any games for Arizona last season, he made an impact in all 17 games he played. He recorded four sacks, 40 tackles, and 20 total pressures, showcasing his potential to be a key player for the team.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon’s squad was looking to build around a young core of players, with Ojulari playing a pivotal role in that plan. Unfortunately, the team has been dealt a major setback with his season-ending injury before the preseason even began.
This injury not only affects Ojulari personally but also has significant implications for the Cardinals as they navigate the upcoming season without one of their promising young talents. It remains to be seen how the team will adjust to this loss and how Ojulari will recover from this setback in the coming months.
