St. Louis Cardinals ink one-year deal with linebacker Will Hernandez
Will Hernandez, a seasoned offensive lineman who tore his ACL in week 5 of the 2024 season, has signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals [1]. The Cardinals are optimistic about Hernandez's return, anticipating he will be ready early in the 2025 season, approximately 10 months after his injury [1].
Despite the optimism, the team acknowledges that Hernandez is coming off a major injury and has not set a specific return timeline [3][4]. He will start the 2025 season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as he continues rehabilitation.
Hernandez, who turns 30 on Sept. 2, has a strong history of performance in the NFL. Throughout his professional career, he has started 91 games at both left and right guard [2]. His physicality and movement skills have been noted by Drew Petzing, the Cardinals' offensive coordinator, who stated that "Will plays hard" [1].
The Cardinals view Hernandez's return as an opportunity to add veteran depth on the offensive line. However, Isaiah Adams is likely to start as the team's right guard, so Hernandez will likely compete for playing time upon his return [3]. The team plans to evaluate his readiness and contribution as the season progresses.
The financial terms of Hernandez's contract with the Cardinals were not disclosed by the team. Prior to joining the Cardinals, Hernandez played for four seasons with the New York Giants [2]. He was a second-round pick by the Giants in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The signing of Hernandez provides a boost for a Cardinals team seeking playoff contention, adding experience and depth up front. The team's cautious but optimistic outlook reflects typical ACL recovery durations for NFL players.
References:
- ESPN
- Pro Football Reference
- AZ Central
- CBS Sports
- The Arizona Cardinals, who recently signed Will Hernandez, an experienced offensive lineman, aim to benefit from his return in American football, particularly in football games, by adding veteran depth to their offensive line.
- NFL draft pick Will Hernandez, who has played in 91 games throughout his professional career, will likely face competition for playing time upon his return from a torn ACL, as Isaiah Adams is expected to start at right guard.
- Despite Hernandez's strong history of performance in the NFL, the Cardinals have not revealed a specific return timeline for him as he continues to recover from a major injury, starting the 2025 season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
- As the NFL Draft continues, teams across the league, like the Cardinals, are searching for impact players to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season, seeking playoff contention and success in the gridiron.
