TEMPE — There’s nothing like a nice Wednesday surprise from Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon.

Ahead of the team’s Week 9 preparation against the Chicago Bears, Gannon met with reporters before practice and broke the big news: Starting right tackle Jonah Williams would be in attendance at practice today.

Williams, who was injured just one quarter after playing in Week 1, has since been sidelined with a knee injury, and although there is serious doubt he can return this season, the Cardinals are opening a 21-day practice window. based on official to staff writer Darren Urban.

“(He’s) going to be a big player for us,” Gannon said when asked what Williams showed before his injury. The veteran player signed a two-year, $30 million deal during free agency last summer.

“His technique is very strong. He’s strong. He’s smart, he plays with a really good pad level. He didn’t play a lot, but the snaps he played, he played well. We’ll take that with him day by day.”

Backup right tackle Kelvin Beachum has played the most snaps since Williams opted out, despite being sidelined with a groin injury since the start of the season. After a tough stint in Buffalo, Beachum picked up his game significantly after weeks of no pressure allowed at right tackle.

Williams will have exactly three weeks to practice before the Cardinals either promote him to the active roster or place him on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.

It can be activated at any point during the 21-day period.

Previously, ESPN NFL’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Williams is eyeing a potential return in November, but there are serious doubts about his ability to overcome his knee injury.

Now Arizona looks confident that one of its biggest free-agent signings could return soon.

The Cardinals will be at home against the Chicago Bears and New York Jets for the next two weeks before getting their bye. At 4-4, Arizona sits in first place in the NFC West with a 2-0 record in the league.