Cardinals activate edge rusher Josh Sweat from PUP list, boosting team’s defense

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Cardinals activated Josh Sweat from the physically unable to perform list on Monday, a sign that the talented edge rusher could be ready for the season opener on Sept. 13.

First-year coach Mike LaFleur said Sweat had been dealing with a knee injury throughout preseason camp. The 29-year-old also was reportedly unhappy with the direction of the franchise after the Cardinals finished with a 3-14 record and fired coach Jonathan Gannon, who was close with the veteran.

LaFleur has remained confident throughout training camp that any issues with Sweat would be resolved in time for Week 1.

Sweat had a career-high 12 sacks last season, providing the Cardinals with an elite pass rush presence after he signed a $76.4 million, four-year deal in March 2025.

“It’s been a while since we’ve seen him out there in his uniform,” tight end Trey McBride said. “It was refreshing for us. Eager to see him get going — he’s obviously a tremendous player. He’s a guy who has been in this league a long time and had a lot of success.”

Also Monday, the Cardinals waived running back Trey Benson. The third-year player was drafted in 2024 out of Florida State, but injuries kept him off the field for much of his first two seasons.

Benson has 451 yards rushing and a touchdown on 92 carries in his two seasons.

___

See AP’s full NFL coverage here