GLENDALE – Another brutal blow was dealt to the Arizona Cardinals as offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. suffered a torn biceps that will end his season per Darren Urban of the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Mike LaFleur confirmed the injury after Johnson went down during the final moments of Arizona’s 36-24 loss to the New York Giants in Week 4.
Paris Johnson Jr. to miss the remainder of 2026 NFL season:
Mike LaFleur said LT Paris Johnson Jr. (tore biceps) will be going to IR and will miss the season.
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) October 5, 2026
The timing could hardly be worse. Johnson was part of an offensive line that had begun to provide something the Cardinals desperately needed, which is stability. Now, Arizona must replace its starting left tackle for the remainder of the season, with Josh Fryar and Jayden Williams emerging as the primary options. That is a significant problem because replacing a left tackle is about more than finding another body at the position. The blindside protector has an enormous impact on how an offense calls plays, how quickly quarterbacks can operate, and whether the running game can develop consistently.
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) against the Green Bay Packers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Johnson’s injury history also adds another layer. He has missed at least three games because of injury since 2024, with his rookie season remaining his only full campaign. The injury could even become relevant beyond 2026. Arizona exercised Johnson’s fifth-year option this offseason, but his latest setback could complicate future contract-extension discussions.
Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) greets teammates Emari Demercado (31) and Jacoby Brissett (7) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For now, though, the Cardinals have a more immediate concern. Their offensive line took a massive hit, and the team cannot afford for Johnson’s absence to become the beginning of another stretch of instability up front. Arizona’s season will not necessarily fall apart because Johnson is gone. But if the replacement cannot maintain the line’s progress, the consequences could reach every part of the offense.
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
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
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
