The Arizona Cardinals pass-rush took a major blow Saturday morning when it was revealed B.J. Ojulari suffered a torn ACL.
A second-round pick with the Cardinals in the 2023 NFL Draft, Ojulari suffered the injury during Friday's training camp practice.
The LSU product was in line for a bigger role following a promising rookie season after notching 4.0 sacks, six quarterback hits and five tackles for loss despite making just one start and playing 37% of the defensive stats.
The No. 42 overall pick from the 2023 draft recorded 20 total pressures and 13 total defensive stops, according to Pro Football Focus.
Ojulari was projected to be a starting outside backer in Nick Rallis' defense, working opposite Zaven Collins and 2024 first-round pick Darius Robinson, who also can kick inside.
The Cardinals needed Ojulari to emerge as a reliable pass-rusher in 2024 considering the struggles the unit endured in the first campaign under head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Arizona's pass rush recorded the fewest quarterback hits, second-lowest pressure rate and third-fewest sacks in the NFL during the 2023 season, according to Pro Football Reference.
In a division that will be led by the San Francisco 49ers, the Cardinals will need some ancillary pieces to exceed expectations if they want to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021 and just the second time since 2015.
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