GLENDALE — Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson called out the NFL over a play he says may have led to the hip and back injuries he suffered nearly three weeks ago.
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Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) catches a pass during warmups before their game against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Oct. 5, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Johnson, a rookie, posted a video on his X account showing the moment from Arizona’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. In the clip, Johnson is running toward the ball when a Cowboys offensive lineman shoves him backward and then slams him to the ground in front of a referee.
The Cardinals’ cornerback hasn’t suited up since, missing Weeks 10 and 11 and is likely sidelined for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“@NFL this how we playing football now??” Johnson writes.
@NFL this how we playing football now?? pic.twitter.com/JiDZUSmmx1
— Wílł Jøhnšoñ (@Willj1228) November 20, 2025
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) celebrates as he leaves the field after defeating the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Arizona has announced that Johnson didn’t practice this week and the team continues to feel the absence of its young defensive back while dealing with several other key injuries.
Before going down, Johnson was shaping a solid first year in the NFL. He had 19 tackles, 14 solo and 5 assisted.
Johnson’s post also highlights the challenges players face with NFL officiating. Missed calls are nothing new, but some unflagged plays can contribute to injuries, as Johnson suggested in his case.
Oct 12, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (1) carries the ball defended by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during the first quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The situation mirrors an incident involving New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo, who was sidelined for the season with a right ankle injury after what many fans described as an illegal hip-drop tackle that went unpenalized.
“Illegal tackle?!!!” Burn City Sports reader Arnold Moreno writes on Facebook, reacting to the news.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) waits for a drill to complete during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Aug. 6, 2025.
While there is no evidence this season that poor officiating has contributed to many major injuries, Johnson’s case suggests that allowing plays like the one he highlighted to go uncalled can sideline players for extended periods.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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