GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals injury report was light with names for their standards, but crucial starters have already been listed out for Sunday’s Week 17 game vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. Four players are out, with six listed as questionable. The marquee names that are sidelined will be safety Budda Baker and offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. against Cincinnati.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Budda Baker headlines injury report for Cardinals in Week 17:
Week 17 will be Baker’s first missed game since Oct. 2023. Baker has been an iron man for Arizona and a worthy team captain for the defense. The 29-year-old has secured his eighth Pro Bowl appearance by recording 111 tackles, the most by a NFC safety this season.
Johnson was a Pro Bowl snub and missing his third-straight game. Head coach Jonathan Gannon has had to improvise in Johnson’s absence to try and fill in inexperienced offensive lineman to the team’s holes. The last few weeks without the 24-year-old has been better than expected and been impressive how the offensive line has survived.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) is introduced before their game against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Oct. 21, 2024. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The questionable list could develop into a real problem for the Cardinals defense, who could be without safety Jalen Thompson, linebacker Josh sweat, cornerbacks Will Johnson and Max Melton. With nothing to play for, Gannon could play on the safer side and have his star defensive players remain out. Fans might prefer that option as the franchise is striving for a top 5 pick.
Cardinals’ Josh Sweat with strong words after snub from 2026 Pro Bowl
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
