GLENDALE – When there is a will, you get two of them. During Thursday’s practice, the Arizona Cardinals had rookie cornerback Will Johnson and offensive lineman Will Hernandez return to the field in a limited form. Johnson is recovering from a back/hip injury suffered in Week 9 vs. the Dallas Cowboys, which he took to social media to point out. Hernandez has only missed one game since returning in Week 5 from his torn ACL.
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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
Will Johnson returns on the practice field:
Johnson’s absence the past two week has directly correlated to Arizona allowing back-to-back 40+ point games for the first time this season. It’s no secret in the rookie cornerback’s absence, the defense has been a shell of its former self, with the secondary suffering the most. A returning Johnson could help stop an already below average passing team in the Jaguars.
Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals guard Will Hernandez (76) against the Washington Commanders at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While the offensive line hasn’t been the biggest issue for the Cardinals, Hernandez remaining in the lineup will help keep the unit afloat. The offensive line has had some tough coverages the past few weeks, but Jacksonville only averages 1.5 sacks per game, which is tied for 28th in the league.
Either insertions into the starting lineup will be the deciding factor if the franchise can back in the win column and snap a four-game losing streak at State Farm Stadium.
Jacoby Brissett in dream position for Cardinals as a starter in 2025
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
