GLENDALE – Week 10 was already setting up to be an uphill battle for the Arizona Cardinals, having lost eight straight games to the Seattle Seahawks. However, the hope of ending that streak has likely gotten much more unlikely, as three key defensive starters for Arizona have been ruled out for Sunday’s game. Linebacker Mack Wilson Sr., cornerbacks Max Melton and Will Johnson will all be inactive according to head coach Jonathan Gannon, leaving the Cardinals with little options.
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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.
Does the Cardinals defense have it’ll take?
The secondary did have Garrett Williams, who went on injury reserve due to a knee injury in Week 2, return last week vs. the Dallas Cowboys to bring the cornerback the most healthy it’s been all season. That has proven to not last long, with Melton and Johnson leaving Williams to handle the load of being the CB1 against the best wide receiver in the league this year: Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Nov 2, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) reacts to the win against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
In the two games last year, Smith-Njigba averaged 5.5 catches for 79.5 receiving yards and a two touchdowns in total. Williams appeared in both games, recording seven tackles, one pass deflections and an interception. When quarterback Sam Darnold was with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, he had little trouble against Williams and Arizona’s secondary. He threw for 235 passing yards and two touchdowns, almost identical to what Pro-Bowler did on Thursday Night Football earlier this season.
The Cardinals will need to rely on Williams and many of the younger defensive backs to try and limit explosive plays to one of the best passing offenses in the NFL on Sunday, a task it might not be equipped to do.
Cardinals rookie Walter Nolen calls out Cowboys after stellar debut in Week 9
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
