Major League Baseball team, the Cardinals, agree on a one-year deal with pitcher Will Hernandez.
Cardinals' Will Hernandez Returns from ACL Injury, Signs One-Year Deal
The Arizona Cardinals have welcomed back a familiar face to their offensive line, as Will Hernandez has signed a one-year contract with the team. The deal was announced on Thursday, and while the financial terms were not disclosed, the signing marks a significant boost for the Cardinals' offensive line.
Hernandez, a second-round pick by the New York Giants in the 2018 NFL Draft, spent the 2022 season with the Cardinals after four seasons with the Giants. The 30-year-old guard has played in 97 games (91 starts) in his professional career and boasts experience starting at both left and right guard.
Unfortunately, Hernandez's return to the Cardinals comes after an injury-plagued 2024 season. He tore his ACL in Week 5 of the 2024 season, an injury that ended his campaign. As of early August 2025, Hernandez has been recovering for just over 10 months, and he is expected to be ready early in the 2025 season.
However, the Cardinals have placed Hernandez on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list as he continues his recovery. The team's starting guard positions, filled by Isaiah Adams (right) and Evan Brown (left), will remain intact for the time being. When Hernandez returns to full health, he will have to compete for his starting role.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon has been cautious about setting a specific return date for Hernandez, stating that he will be eased back carefully. Gannon also praised Hernandez's work ethic, saying that he plays hard. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who worked with Hernandez in New York, added that he is familiar with Hernandez's physicality and movement skills.
The Cardinals' offensive line configuration may change with the absence of Hernandez, but the team is optimistic about his return. With his experience and versatility, Hernandez could provide a valuable addition to the Cardinals' offensive line when he is ready to take the field.
Meanwhile, the starting left guard position appears to be securely in the hands of Evan Brown, while Isaiah Adams is expected to start as the team's right guard. It remains to be seen whether Hernandez can regain his starting job when he returns to full health, but one thing is certain: the Cardinals are excited to have him back.
Will Hernandez, who returned to the Arizona Cardinals after an injury-plagued 2024 season, was placed on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury. The Cardinals have high hopes for Hernandez's potential return, as he brings valuable experience and versatility to their offensive line. In the meantime, Evan Brown and Isaiah Adams will hold the starting guard positions.
The Cardinals' optimism for Hernandez's return stems from his impressive career in the NFL, including his time as a second-round pick by the New York Giants in the 2018 NFL Draft. With just over 10 months of recovery, the team expects him to be ready early in the 2025 season.
While Hernandez will need to compete for his starting role upon his return, his work ethic and physicality have been praised by both head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Gannon has expressed caution about setting a specific return date, but is optimistic about Hernandez's future with the team.
The Cardinals' offensive line configuration may change with the return of Hernandez, but one thing is certain: the team is eager to see him back on the field, contributing to their success in American football and the NFL.
