Will Johnson Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Cardinals vs Texans game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 28, 2025
Good to go
Johnson (back) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Johnson was a limited participant Wednesday and Thursday before upgrading to a full participant Friday. The upgrade means the cornerback is good to go for Sunday, and will either join or replace Denzel Burke as a starting outside cornerback, depending on the health of Max Melton (heel)
Nov 26, 2025
Limited to open week
Johnson (back) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The rookie second-rounder has missed the Cardinals' last three games due to a back injury. He was able to return to practice during Week 12 prep, and he'll have two more opportunities to increase his practice participation and avoid an injury designation heading into Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. Fellow rookie Denzel Burke has started at outside cornerback in Johnson's absence.
Nov 23, 2025
Won't play Week 12
Johnson (back) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Johnson gave himself a chance to play in Week 12 after ending the week with back-to-back limited practices, but his back injury is severe enough for him to miss a third consecutive game. Fellow rookie Denzel Burke should remain as the second starting outside corner opposite Max Melton in Johnson's absence. Johnson's next opportunity to play is Week 13 against the Buccaneers on Sunday, Nov. 30.
Nov 21, 2025
Questionable for Week 12
Johnson (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Johnson ended the week with back-to-back limited practices, giving him a chance to return Sunday from a two-game absence due to a back injury. The rookie second-rounder's return would likely mean that fellow first-year corner Denzel Burke would revert to a rotational role in the secondary, though the latter could still see an increased snap count on defense if Garrett Williams (ankle) is unable to play in Week 12. Prior to his injury, Johnson posted 19 tackles (14 solo), six pass defenses and one forced fumble across six regular-season games.
Nov 20, 2025
Limited Thursday
Johnson (back) was a limited participant in practice Thursday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The cornerback did return to the field after missing Wednesday's session and the last two games. Johnson now appears to have a chance to suit up in Sunday's game against the Jaguars. He's played on at least 60 percent of the defensive snaps in all six games he's played in this season.
Nov 19, 2025
Still sidelined by back injury
Johnson (back) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Johnson has missed the Cardinals' last two games due to a back injury, which has also prevented him from participating in practice. He has two more chances to practice in at least a limited capacity this week, and doing so would give him a chance to play against the Jaguars on Sunday. Rookie fifth-rounder Denzel Burke has stepped into a more prominent role in the secondary in Johnson's absence.
Nov 14, 2025
Won't play vs. 49ers
Johnson (back) is officially listed as out for Sunday's game versus San Francisco, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Johnson will be sidelined for a second straight week because of a lingering back injury. His absence will leave the door open for Arizona corners further down on the depth chart to see additional snaps, perhaps most notably 2025 fifth-rounder Denzel Burke.
Nov 13, 2025
Doesn't practice Thursday
Johnson (back) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
A back injury prevented Johnson from playing against the Seahawks in Week 10, and he's opened Week 11 prep with back-to-back DNPs. The rookie second-rounder would need to practice Friday in at least a limited capacity in order to have a realistic chance of playing Sunday against the 49ers.
Nov 12, 2025
Still sidelined
Johnson (back) was estimated to have not practiced Wednesday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Johnson was sidelined for Week 10 with the same injury. It's not a good sign that he couldn't return to practice in any capacity to begin a new week, though he still has two days to improve his outlook for a Week 11 matchup against the 49ers.
Nov 7, 2025
Out for Week 10
Johnson (back) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Seahawks, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The rookie corner from Michigan downgraded from a limited practice estimation Wednesday to a DNP on Thursday, so it's no surprise that he won't play in Week 10. Johnson has had an impressive start to his NFL career, recording 19 total tackles and six passes defended across six contests. Now that he's set to miss his third game this season Sunday, expect Elijah Jones to start at boundary corner.
Nov 6, 2025
Sits out of practice Thursday
Johnson (back) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The cornerback was estimated to be a limited participant in Wednesday's walkthrough. Johnson is trending in the wrong direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Seahawks. The starter has played on a majority of the defensive snaps in every game he's suited up for this season, though he did miss two early on with a groin injury.
Nov 5, 2025
Limited at practice
Johnson (back) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official website reports.
ANALYSIS
Johnson popped up on the injury report with a back issue at the team's first practice of the week. Considering he was able to participate in any capacity, the injury is likely of the minor variety. The cornerback will have two more shots at logging a full practice prior to Sunday's contest against the Seahawks.
Nov 3, 2025
Will play Week 9
Johnson (groin) is active for Monday's game against the Cowboys, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The rookie second-rounder missed two games earlier in the season due to a groin injury, but he was able to play through the issue in the two contests prior to the Week 8 bye. The injury limited Johnson's practice participation Friday and Saturday, but he has been cleared to suit up Week 9 after going through pregame warmups.
Nov 1, 2025
Questionable to face Cowboys
Johnson (groin) is listed as questionable ahead of Monday's game against the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
Johnson was a limited participant in Friday's practice after playing through his groin injury before the Week 8 bye. Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic said head coach Jonathan Gannon made it sound as if Johnson had a good chance to play Monday.
Oct 31, 2025
Dealing with groin injury
Johnson (groin) was a limited participant in Friday's practice, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The rookie second-rounder was able to play through a groin injury prior to the Week 8 bye, so it's unclear whether his limitations during Friday's practice were due to a setback or for maintenance purposes. Johnson's participation in Saturday's practice will provide more clarity on his status heading into Monday night's game against the Cowboys.
Oct 10, 2025
Good to go against Indianapolis
Johnson (groin) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Colts, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Johnson was a full participant in Friday's practice, which was enough to clear to him to play in Sunday's road tilt. He played through the injury during the Cardinals' Week 5 loss to the Titans, when he played 55 defensive snaps and logged three solo tackles.
Oct 8, 2025
Still nursing groin issue
Johnson (groin) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Johnson played through the groin injury in Week 5 versus the Titans, but it still appears to be hampering him as Arizona begins a new week of practice. He'll get two more opportunities to practice in full before the Cardinals release their final practice report of the week Friday.
Oct 4, 2025
Trending towards Week 5 return
Johnson (groin) is likely to play against the Titans on Sunday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
The second-round rookie missed the Cardinals' last two games due to a groin injury that he suffered against the Panthers in Week 2. Johnson was able to practice in a limited capacity this past week, but he appears to be on track to play in Sunday's home game against Tennessee. His return would be timely, give that the Cardinals could be without fellow cornerbacks Max Melton (hamstring) and Denzel Burke (knee).
Oct 3, 2025
Draws questionable tag for Week 5
Johnson (groin) 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
Johnson has been sidelined for the Cardinals' last two games due to a groin injury that he sustained in Week 2 against the Panthers. The rookie second-rounder has been limited in practice all week, and Johnson's status for Sunday's game may not be known until the Cardinals announce their list of inactive players approximately 90 minutes before the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. Kei'Trel Clark would continue to fill in at cornerback if Johnson is not cleared to return.
Oct 1, 2025
Starts week with limited practice
Johnson (groin) was limited in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Johnson has missed the Cardinals' past two contests, but a limited start to the practice week would seem to put the rookie cornerback in position to return this Sunday against the Titans. Kei'Trel Clark has been filling in at cornerback during Johnson's absence.
Sep 25, 2025
Won't play Thursday
Johnson (groin) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Seahawks, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Johnson will miss a second consecutive game due to a groin injury that he suffered during the Cardinals' Week 2 win over the Panthers. Kei'Trel Clark should continue to see additional work in the Cardinals' secondary for as long as Johnson is sidelined. Johnson's next opportunity to play is Week 5 against the Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5.
Sep 24, 2025
Unlikely to play in Week 4
Johnson (groin) is doubtful to play in Thursday's contest against the Seahawks, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Johnson appears to be set to miss a second game in a row with the groin injury he suffered against the Panthers in Week 2. In his absence, Denzel Burke stands to see an increase in workload again versus Seattle.
Sep 22, 2025
No practice to begin week
Johnson (groin) was estimated to have not practiced Monday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Arizona didn't log an actual practice, but they released an estimated report with a quick turnaround for a Week 4 divisional showdown with Seattle. Johnson missed Week 3 with a groin injury, so his lack of participation Monday isn't a great sign for his availability.
Sep 21, 2025
Not playing Sunday, as expected
Johnson (groin) is inactive for Sunday's Week 3 game against San Francisco.
ANALYSIS
Johnson hurt his groin last Sunday versus Carolina and didn't practice at all this week. He was deemed doubtful heading into the weekend, so it's no surprise that he's been ruled out for Sunday. Denzel Burke could be asked to step in as a starter in the secondary in Johnson's stead.
Sep 19, 2025
Likely to miss Week 3
Johnson (groin) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Johnson suffered the injury during Arizona's Week 2 win over Carolina and has been unable to practice at all this week. While the Cardinals have yet to officially rule him out, Johnson looks unlikely to suit up.
Sep 17, 2025
Sits out practice Wednesday
Johnson (groin) did not participate at practice Wednesday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Johnson said Wednesday that he is "really just taking it day by day right now" with the groin injury he suffered in Week 2 versus the Panthers. He'll likely have to return to practice in some capacity Thursday or Friday to give himself a chance to suit up in Week 3 at San Francisco.
Sep 14, 2025
Suffers groin injury
Johnson (groin) suffered a groin injury in Sunday's 27-22 win over the Panthers, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Johnson went down with a groin injury in the second half Sunday, ultimately not returning to the game as a result. The cornerback's status at practice will be worth monitoring as the Cardinals gear up to face the 49ers on the road in Week 3.
Jul 22, 2025
Inks his rookie deal
The Cardinals signed Johnson (hamstring) to his four-year rookie contract Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
Johnson was the 47th overall pick in the 2025 Draft back in April. He dealt with a hamstring injury during offseason workouts but is expected to be fine for the start of training camp. Johnson should immediately slide into a starting outside cornerback spot with Arizona.
Jun 12, 2025
Expected to be ready for camp
Johnson is dealing with a hamstring issue but should be ready for the start of training camp, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Arizona coach Jonathan Gannon described Johnson's issue as "a little bit of a tight hamstring," per Drake. The 2025 second-round pick missed the last six games of his collegiate career due to a foot injury and likely fell out of the first round in the draft due to a potential knee issue, so injuries remain a concern. At the same time, Johnson led a strong Michigan secondary in college and picked off nine passes during his career, returning three for scores, so he's expected to play a starting role for the Cardinals if healthy.
Apr 25, 2025
Cards add Round 2 cornerback
The Cardinals selected Johnson in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 47th overall.
ANALYSIS
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Johnson likely fell to the second round at least in part due to long-term concerns over his knee. Johnson also dealt with a foot injury in the fall and a hamstring injury this spring, so durability has been a general challenge even aside from the knee. The good news is that no one really doubts Johnson's abilities, because the 6-foot-2, 194-pound corner was likely the best player in a dominant Wolverines secondary the last three years. Johnson started his last two years and part of his freshman season at Michigan, and it bodes well for his skill-set projection that he could stand out to such a clear degree so early in his career. In addition to spearheading a Wolverines defense that rarely gave up catches or yardage, Johnson showed a unique playmaking ability by intercepting nine career passes and returning three for a touchdown.