GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals may have lost more than a cornerback Sunday with the injury update to star CB Will Johnson; they may have lost one of the most important pieces of their defensive future.
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Will Johnson suffered a neck injury in Arizona’s loss to Seattle, and head coach Mike LaFleur acknowledged that the second-year cornerback could miss the entire season. “It sucks for him,” LaFleur said. “He could potentially miss the whole season.” That possibility carries significant weight because Johnson wasn’t simply another defensive back on the roster. As a rookie in 2025, Johnson started 10 of 12 games and recorded 37 tackles, 10 passes defensed, and a forced fumble. He has also been establishing himself as a legitimate building block for Arizona’s secondary.
CB Will Johnson has a neck injury and LaFleur said he could miss the season.
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) September 21, 2026
That’s why this injury matters beyond the immediate depth chart. Young cornerbacks need snaps, repetitions against elite receivers, and the experience of making mistakes, correcting them, and developing chemistry within a defensive system. Johnson was already on that path, but now Arizona may have to replace those developmental reps while still trying to compete.
Oct 12, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (1) carries the ball defended by Arizona cornerback Will Johnson (0) during the first quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The timing makes the situation even more difficult. The Cardinals were already dealing with injuries and inexperience in the secondary, meaning Johnson’s absence could force other defensive backs into larger roles before the team planned for them to take over. For Cardinals fans, the frustration isn’t simply about losing another player; it’s watching a promising piece of the future potentially disappear before he gets the opportunity to take the next step. Arizona drafted Johnson to become part of its defensive identity and may have to navigate this season and figure out how to survive without him.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona cornerback Johnson (0) celebrates as he leaves the field after defeating the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
