Cardinals activate J.J. Watt and Dennis Gardeck from PUP; Andy Isabella returns from Reserve/COVID-19

On Monday, the Arizona Cardinals not only activated defensive lineman J.J. Watt from the Physically Unable to Perform list but outside linebacker Dennis Gardeck as well.

Watt was recovering from a hamstring injury since late July which landed him on the list. The Cardinals have been playing it safe with him as their top free agent signing this offseason. Gardeck has been on PUP since July 22 as he was rehabbing from a torn ACL he suffered in Week 15 of last season.

With Watt healthy and an early return from Gardeck, the Cardinals will have most of their top talent on the defense available in the regular season opener versus the Titans.

In addition, 2019 second-round pick Andy Isabella was activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list that forced him to miss most of training camp and the first two preseason games with the Cardinals.

Isabella is not guaranteed a roster spot so he will have a lot of ground to make up in the preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints on Saturday, August 28.

The only players that remain on the Reserve/COVID-19 list are defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and offensive lineman Justin Pugh.

To make space for them on the roster, the Cardinals released tight end Ian Bunting, wide receiver Rico Gafford, and waived cornerback Luq Barcoo with a failed physical.