Bilal Nichols Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Jaguars vs Cardinals game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Oct 15, 2025
Back at practice
Nichols was a full participant in Wednesday's walkthrough, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Nichols was sidelined by a neck injury for the start of the season but was held out of Sunday's loss to the Colts for personal reasons. He should be available in Week 7 against the Packers.
Oct 11, 2025
Not playing Sunday
Nichols (personal) has been ruled out for Arizona's matchup versus the Colts on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Nichols was a late addition to the injury report and will now miss his fifth game of the season. With Darius Robinson (pectoral) out as well, Dante Stills is in line to get the start at defensive end alongside Josh Sweat for Sunday's game.
Oct 5, 2025
Good to go against Tennessee
Nichols (neck) is active for Sunday's game against the Titans, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Nichols started the season on the reserve/PUP list due to a neck injury from the 2024 season, but he was reinstated Saturday and has been cleared to make his 2025 debut against Tennessee. He could see a healthy dose of snaps at defensive end in his first game back due to Darius Robinson being inactive with a pectoral injury.
Oct 4, 2025
Activated off PUP list
The Cardinals activated Nichols (knee) off the reserve/PUP list Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Nichols has been sidelined since July but is now one step closer to returning. The 2018 fifth-round pick was a limited participant in all three of the team's practice sessions this week and is currently listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the Titans. If Nichols ends up playing, he could start at defensive end as Darius Robinson has already been ruled out with a pectoral injury.
Oct 3, 2025
Questionable for Week 5
Nichols (neck) was a limited participant in Friday's practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Nichols' 21-day practice window opened Monday, and the 2018 fifth-rounder was a limited in all three sessions this week. He has a chance to be activated from the reserve/PUP list ahead of Sunday's game, but if he's not cleared to play, his next chance to suit up is Week 6 against the Colts on Sunday, Oct. 12. Nichols' return would boost a Cardinals defensive front that will be without 2024 first-rounder Darius Robinson (pectoral) for Week 5.
Oct 1, 2025
Starts week with limited practice
Nichols (neck) was limited in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Nichols remains on the reserve/PUP list but was designated for return Monday, opening his 21-day practice window. His return to the lineup will be a big boost to the interior of Arizona' defensive line.
Sep 29, 2025
Designated to return
The Cardinals opened Nichols' (neck) 21-day practice window Monday.
ANALYSIS
The veteran defensive lineman now has 21 days to be activated off the Cardinals' reserve/PUP list after missing the team's first four games this season due to a neck injury. Nichols appeared in six games for Arizona in 2024, recording 10 total tackles across 169 defensive snaps. He's likely to serve as a rotational defensive end once he returns from injury.
Aug 27, 2025
Out until October
Nichols (neck) was moved to the reserve/PUP list by the the Cardinals on Tuesday, Darren Urban of the team's official website reports.
ANALYSIS
Nichols has been been sidelined since the beginning of training camp while nursing a neck injury. Nichols will now be forced to miss at least the first four games of the 2025 campaign, and in his absence, Dante Stills is a candidate to see an increase in workload on the defensive line.
Jul 23, 2025
Unable to practice
Nichols (neck) was placed on the active/PUP list Wednesday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Nichols had his 2024 season cut short by a stinger, but he was able to practice in OTAs heading into training camp. It's unclear if he's suffered a setback, but regardless, he won't begin camp on the practice field.
Jun 2, 2025
Participating in OTAs
Nichols is participating in OTAs and appears healthy again after a neck injury ended his 2024 season after six games, Jess Root of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
The defensive tackle started five of those six games after signing a three-year, $21-million free-agent contract with the Cardinals in March of last year. Nichols has started 89 of the 102 games he's played in across seven seasons with the Bears, Raiders and Cardinals. His role with Arizona this year, though, appears in question after the team drafted a defensive tackle, Walter Nolen, in the first round and signed two others, Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson, in free agency.
Oct 15, 2024
Out for rest of 2024
The Cardinals placed Nichols (undisclosed) on injured reserve Tuesday, and he is expected to miss the rest of the regular season, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Nichols suffered a stinger in each of the Cardinals' last two games, and it appears his injury Sunday against the Packers is significant enough for him to be sidelined for the rest of the regular season. He'll end his first year in Arizona with 10 tackles (six solo) across six regular-season games. L.J. Collier is likely to serve as the Cardinals' second starting defensive tackle alongside Roy Lopez while Naquan Jones and Khyiris Tonga provide rotational depth.
Oct 13, 2024
Won't return due to stinger
Nichols won't return to Sunday's game against the Packers due to a stinger, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Nichols recorded one solo tackle before leaving the contest in the second quarter. In his absence, L.J. Collier, Naquan Jones and Khyiris Tonga are candidates for increased roles.
Oct 6, 2024
Returns vs. Niners
Nichols (undisclosed) has returned to Sunday's game against the 49ers, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Nichols briefly left Sunday's game due to a stinger, but the 2018 fifth-round pick is back on the field with the first-team defense.
Oct 6, 2024
Questionable to return Week 5
Nichols (undisclosed) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the 49ers due to a stinger injury.
ANALYSIS
Nichols briefly went to the locker room following the injury, but he was spotted back on the sidelines. It remains to be seen whether he will come back into Sunday's game. L.J. Collier would see more work with the first-team defense while Nichols is sidelined.
Mar 11, 2024
Joining up with Cardinals
Arizona plans to sign Nichols to a three-year, $21 million contract, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Nichols figures to provide some interior run-stopping ability to a Cardinals defense that ranked last against the run in 2024. Over the past four seasons with Chicago and Las Vegas, he hasn't missed a game.
Sep 22, 2023
Good to go vs. Steelers
Nichols (hamstring) was a limited participant at practice Friday and does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game versus the Steelers, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Nichols was forced out of Week 2 at Buffalo with a hamstring injury, but he recovered in time to suit up for Week 3. He'll resume a starting role on the defensive line next to Jerry Tillery.
Sep 20, 2023
Limited Wednesday
Nichols (hamstring/hand) was limited in Wednesday's practice, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The veteran defensive tackle exited Week 2 against the Bills early with a hamstring issue, and he apparently also has a hand injury on top of it. The limited practice should put Nichols on the right track for Week 3 versus Pittsburgh. He has four tackles across 71 defensive snaps on the young season.
Sep 17, 2023
Departs with injury
Nichols has exited Sunday's game against the Bills with a hamstring injury.
ANALYSIS
Nichols is questionable to return, which will leave the team short-handed on the interior of the defensive line. Adam Butler and John Jenkins will both have an opportunity for extra snaps while Nichols is off the field.
Sep 25, 2022
Good to go Sunday
Nichols (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against the Titans.
ANALYSIS
After logging limited practice both Thursday and Friday, Nichols will take the field Sunday. The 26-year-old defensive tackle has recorded four solo tackles through his first two games of 2022.
Sep 24, 2022
Questionable for Sunday
Nichols (shoulder) was listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against Tennessee.
ANALYSIS
It's unclear whether or not Nichols will play Sunday as he logged limited practices both Thursday and Friday. The defensive tackle was able to record a solo tackle in Week 2 against Arizona before injuring his shoulder. Kendal Vickers will likely play more of the team's snaps if Nichols is unable to suit up Sunday.
Sep 18, 2022
Won't return Sunday
Nichols (shoulder) won't return to Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Nichols sustained a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter of Sunday's matchup and will be unavailable to close out the game. Whether he's available for next Sunday's game against Tennessee remains to be seen.
Sep 18, 2022
Questionable to return
Nichols is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Cardinals due to a shoulder injury.
ANALYSIS
Nichols recorded a solo tackle early in the fourth quarter of Sunday's matchup but ultimately sustained an injury. If he's unable to return, Kendal Vickers will likely see an uptick in playing time.
Aug 17, 2022
Practicing again
Nichols returned to practice Wednesday, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
It's a welcomed development for the Raiders after Nichols spent four weeks on the active/PUP list with an undisclosed injury. He figures to fill a starting role on Las Vegas' defensive line this season after signing a two-year, $11 million contract in March.
Jul 20, 2022
Dealing with injury
Nichols (undisclosed) was placed on the physically unable to perform list Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
Nichols signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Raiders in March, though his debut with the team could be delayed. He projects to hold a significant role along the defensive line this season, and he posted 51 total tackles and three sacks with Chicago in 2021.
Mar 16, 2022
To join Raiders
Nichols is expected to sign a two-year, $11 million contract with the Raiders on Wednesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Nichols is a proven starter capable or shoring up the interior of Las Vegas' defensvie front. He enjoyed a career season in 2021, with 51 tackles and three sacks in 17 appearances.
Jan 9, 2022
Strong performance in finale
Nichols tallied half a sack and five tackles in the Bears' 31-17 Week 18 loss to the Vikings, and he ended the season with 51 tackles and three sacks.
ANALYSIS
Nichols tallied half a sack and five tackles in the Bears' 31-17 Week 18 loss to the Vikings, and he ended the season with 51 tackles and three sacks.Nichols tallied half a sack and five tackles in the Bears' 31-17 Week 18 loss to the Vikings, and he ended the season with 51 tackles and three sacks.
Dec 24, 2021
Returns from COVID list
Nichols (illness) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday.
ANALYSIS
Nichols tested positive for the virus earlier this week but was able to quickly clear the health and safety protocols. He has 40 tackles (20 solo) and two sacks in 14 games for Chicago this season.
Dec 21, 2021
Tests positive for COVID-19
Nichols (illness) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, Larry Mayer of the Bears' official team site reports.
ANALYSIS
The defensive end tested positive for COVID-19 Tuesday and will now enter the league's protocols. Nichols becomes the 13th member of the team to be on the COVID-19 list, joining the likes of starters Allen Robinson and Eddie Jackson amongst others. Additonally, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reported Tuesday that 21 players tested positive for COVID-19 Tuesday.
Nov 9, 2021
Notches sack
Nichols tallied a sack and two tackles in the Bears' 29-27 loss to the Steelers on Monday.
ANALYSIS
Nichols broke a streak of five games without a sack, and he now has two on the season. In addition, after posting 11 tackles over the first three games of the season, he's only recorded two in each of the last three games, making him a low-floor scoring option in IDP leagues.
Oct 24, 2021
Suiting up for Week 7
Nichols (knee) is active for Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
Nichols popped up on the injury report late in the week and did not practice Thursday or Friday. Nevertheless, he'll suit up against Tampa Bay and serve as a rotational player along the Bears' defensive line.
Oct 22, 2021
Considered questionable for Week 7
Nichols (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against the Buccaneers.
ANALYSIS
Nichols didn't practice Thursday or Friday and is considered questionable for Week 7. The 25-year-old defensive end has played in all six games for the Bears this season and has recorded 19 tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery. If he is sidelined Sunday, Mario Edwards will likely see an increased role against the Buccaneers.
Oct 3, 2021
Recovers a fumble
Nichols recorded two tackles and a fumble recovery in the Bears' 24-14 win over the Lions on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Nichols is averaging three tackles while posting a sack and a recovered fumble on the season, making him an IDP with upside based on big-play potential.
Sep 26, 2021
Clear for Week 3
Nichols (back) is active Week 3 against the Browns.
ANALYSIS
Nichols didn't miss any practice time of note this week, but still emerged on the injury report due to a back issue. It ultimately won't prevent the starting defensive end from taking the field in Cleveland.
Sep 19, 2021
Notches sack
Nichols collected a sack and four tackles in the Bears' 20-17 win over the Bengals on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Nichols had just one tackle in the season opener, but he came alive against the Bengals. After breaking out last year with 40 tackles and five sacks, those numbers are definitely attainable this season for the Bears' starting defensive end.
Sep 8, 2021
Off Chicago injury report
Nichols (toe) isn't listed on the Bears' injury report Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Nichols appears to have finally healed from a toe injury he picked up in the Bears' preseason match against the Bills. The injury won't affect Nichols' Week 1 status as he is slated to start at defensive end across from Akiem Hicks.
Aug 23, 2021
Nursing toe injury
Nichols (toe) will not practice Monday, Adam Hoge of NBC Sports Chicago reports.
ANALYSIS
Coach Matt Nagy said Nichols is dealing with an injury picked up during Saturday's preseason contest against the Bills, but it's worth noting that the defensive end also dealt with a toe issue back in June. Nagy also said that Nichols' injury isn't anything that should endanger his status for Week 1.
Jul 30, 2021
Takes part in practice
Nichols (toe) practiced Thursday, the Chicago Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
Nichols suffered a toe injury back in June, so it's encouraging to see him back on the practice field in the early days of training camp. The veteran looks set to reprise his usual starting role at defensive end across from Akiem Hicks (foot).
Jun 18, 2021
Injues toe
Nichols is nursing a toe injury, Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The severity of Nichols' toe injury is unknown at this time. He saw his snaps increase in each of the last three seasons in Chicago and recorded a career high in tackles and sacks in 2020 with 40 and five respecitvely. He currently projects to start opposite Akiem Hicks at defensive end this year.
Jan 3, 2021
Shows improvement in 2020
Nichols was inactive for the Bears' 35-16 loss to the Packers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Nichols has seen his snaps increase in each of his three seasons with the Bears, and he ended the season with 591 snaps to go along with career highs in tackles with 40 and sacks with five. He's signed with the team through 2021, and it's possible that he continues to show improvement, and he could become a player to watch in IDP leagues.
Dec 20, 2020
Continues hot streak
Nichols recorded a sack and seven tackles in the Bears' 33-27 victory over the Vikings on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Nichols recorded a sack for the third straight game, giving him six sacks since Week 6, and he also exceeded four tackles for the first time this season. He'll potentially be in position to continue his hot streak in Week 16 against the Jaguars.
Dec 13, 2020
Records fourth sack of season
Nichols recorded a sack and two tackles in Chicago's 36-7 victory over the Texans on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Nichols has posted between three and four tackles in six of his last eight games while recording four sacks since Week 6, and his upside games give him IDP value in deep leagues.
Dec 6, 2020
Intercepts a pass
Nichols picked off a pass while adding a sack and four tackles in Chicago's 34-30 loss to the Lions on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
After a slow start to the season, Nichols has averaged three tackles along with thee sacks over the last seven games, but he'll likely he remain a low upside fantasy option in the fantasy playoffs.
Oct 18, 2020
Posts first sack of season
Nichols recorded a sack and three tackles in Chicago's 23-16 victory over the Panthers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Nichols is averaging fewer than two tackles per game, and unless he sees a spike in production, his IDP value will remain minimal.
Oct 27, 2019
Will play Week 8
Nichols (knee) is active Week 8 against the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
Despite a late appearance on the injury report, Nichols has managed to avoid the inactive list and will presumably be set to start at defensive end opposite Roy Robertson-Harris. Abdullah Anderson is the only other healthy option at the position after Brent Urban was a healthy scratch, so the organization must have been confident in the health of Nichols and his ability to take on a meaningful snap count.
Oct 25, 2019
Pops up late on injury report
Nichols (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
Nichols wasn't on the Bears' injury report Wednesday or Thursday, but he surfaced as a limited participant for Friday's workout. It's never a good sign to be added to the injury report late in a week, although Nichols often takes it easy during indoor practices like Friday's. He's in line for a major role on defense again with Akiem Hicks (elbow) on Ir if he can suit up.
Sep 15, 2019
Ready to rock
Nichols (knee) will play in Sunday's road contest against Denver, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Nichols didn't pop up on the injury report until Friday, so this news is positive considering the timing of his injury. The 22-year-old played 32 defensive snaps in Week 1, and it's reasonable to expect he'll be in line for similar work Sunday.
Sep 13, 2019
Questionable for Sunday
Nichols (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup with Denver, Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Nichols didn't pop up on Chicago's injury report until Friday when he was limited in practice. The 22-year-old battled through this knee issue in last week's season opener against Green Bay en route to playing 32 defensive snaps. If Nichols can't play Sunday, Roy Robertson-Harris would take over his starting position and Chicago would be left without any reserve defensive ends, barring a call-up from the practice squad.
Sep 5, 2019
Active Thursday
Nichols (knee) is active for Thursday's season-opener against the Packers.
ANALYSIS
Nichols was initially considered questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Packers, so it's conceivable that he could see a snap count if he indeed takes the field. If Nichols is deemed ready to go without restrictions he'll play his usual starting role in Chicago's stout defensive front.
Sep 4, 2019
Questionable, but likely to play
Nichols (knee) was limited for Wednesday's practice and is considered questionable for Thursday's game versus the Packers.
ANALYSIS
When the Bears practice indoors, they tend to limit Nichols' usage since the turf is harder on his knee. According to Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune, it's a precautionary measure, and Nichols should be good to go by game time Thursday. He's expected to start at defensive end and build off the 28 tackles and three sacks he posted last year.
Sep 3, 2019
Game-time decision for opener
Head coach Matt Nagy said Tuesday that Nichols' knee injury is "getting slightly better" but also that he's considered a game-time decision for Thursday's season opener against Green Bay, Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
Nichols was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice after not being listed on Monday's injury report. Nagy's statement gives us a little clarification on how to view the 23-year-old's status as the season opener approaches.
Sep 3, 2019
Limited Tuesday
Nichols (knee) was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice, Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
It's unclear where the injury came from, as Nichols wasn't listed on Monday's injury report. It's also unknown how serious the issue is. Regardless, it's likely safe to assume that the 23-year-old is at least questionable for Thursday's season opener against Green Bay.
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