NFL

Arizona Cardinals Cornerback Will Johnson Faces Potential Season-Ending Neck Injury

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 22, 2026, 04:37 IST

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson is at risk of missing the remainder of the regular season following a neck injury sustained during Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks, head coach Mike LaFleur confirmed.

Arizona Cardinals Cornerback Will Johnson Faces Potential Season-Ending Neck Injury

The Arizona Cardinals are bracing for the potential loss of starting cornerback Will Johnson for the remainder of the 2025 regular season. The rookie, a second-round draft pick out of Michigan, sustained a neck injury during Sunday's 31-7 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks.

Head coach Mike LaFleur addressed the media on Monday, confirming the severity of the situation while noting that the team is still gathering information. At this stage, it remains uncertain whether the defensive back will require surgery to address the injury, which occurred during the second half of the contest in Seattle.

Defensive Adjustments and Team Outlook

Reflecting on the news, LaFleur expressed his concern for the player's well-being above all else. While acknowledging the impact on the roster, the coach emphasized the human element of the situation, noting that the entire team is feeling the weight of the news. Despite the setback, the Cardinals are forced to pivot quickly as they prepare for their upcoming schedule.

Johnson had established himself as a vital component of the Arizona secondary, starting both games of the season thus far. His early contributions included eight tackles, one pass defended, and a fumble recovery. With his status now in doubt, the team is expected to rely on veteran Starling Thomas to fill the void. LaFleur expressed confidence in Thomas, highlighting his experience and positive mindset as the team navigates the transition.

The injury report for the Cardinals extends beyond Johnson, as cornerback Max Melton is currently listed as day-to-day following a toe injury suffered in the same game. These personnel challenges arrive at a difficult time for Arizona, as the team prepares for a road matchup against the San Francisco 49ers this coming Sunday.