TEMPE — The Arizona Cardinals are set to welcome back rookie cornerback Will Johnson this week after he missed the team’s past three games dealing with lingering hip and back injuries.
Despite being a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, Johnson was full on Thursday, with all signs pointing to him being available for Sunday’s road contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6–5).
Selected in the second round (pick No. 47 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft, Johnson has proven to be one of the solid value picks. Originally projected to be a top ten selection, Johnson’s injury history during his time at the University of Michigan caused him to slide on many executives' draft boards before Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort chose to take his chance on the 22-year-old.
To say it paid off is an understatement, as when healthy, Johnson has shown that he can be a leader on what is a relatively young defense. Lining up on the other side of Max Melton, the two young corners have learned from veteran safety Budda Baker what it takes to succeed in the secondary at this level.
In Johnson’s absence, the team got to see action from another rookie in Denzel Burke. The fifth-round pick, and college rival of Johnson, recorded two interceptions in the opportunities he saw.
Getting Johnson back is huge news for head coach Jonathan Gannon, as reports indicate that quarterback Baker Mayfield will suit up against Arizona on Sunday despite being in a shoulder brace not even a full week ago.
Mayfield suffered a shoulder injury in the Buccaneers’ Week 12 road loss on Sunday Night Football, where they were blown out 34–7 against the Los Angeles Rams. Mayfield, as competitive as he is, most definitely has a chip on his shoulder heading into a crucial point of Tampa Bay’s season.
While Arizona’s season looks to be over, they have the chance to play spoiler on Sunday, as the Buccaneers are fighting for their playoff lives. It will be interesting to see how things play out in Florida this weekend.