Will Johnson’s Return: Arizona Cardinals Get Their Defensive Spark Back Just In Time
The Arizona Cardinals are about to get a massive shot in the arm for their struggling defense. After nursing a nagging groin injury for two weeks that felt like an eternity in Cardinal years, rookie Cornerback Will Johnson is reportedly ready to lace up his cleats again for Sunday’s showdown against the Tennessee Titans. And let me tell you, the timing couldn’t be more perfect if they scripted it in Hollywood.
Johnson’s Injury Timeline: A Rookie’s Reality Check
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Remember when Johnson went down against Carolina in Week 2? That collective groan you heard wasn’t just from Cardinals fans – it was from anyone who watched this kid play his first few games. The second-round pick out of Michigan looked like he belonged from day one, flashing the kind of length and ball skills that make defensive coordinators smile in their sleep.
But football has a funny way of humbling everyone, rookies especially. That groin injury that seemed minor turned into a two-week absence that exposed just how thin Arizona’s secondary really is. Johnson missed games against Detroit and Washington – two contests where the Cardinals could’ve used every bit of defensive help they could get.
The good news? According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Johnson is “likely to play” on Sunday. Translation: barring any last-minute setbacks, the rookie is ready to get back to doing what he does best-making opposing quarterbacks think twice about throwing his way.
What Johnson Brings To a Desperate Secondary
Let’s be honest here – the Cardinals’ cornerback room has been more banged up than a rental car. Sean Murphy-Bunting, Starling Thomas, and Garrett Williams have all dealt with their own injury issues this season. When you’re down to your fourth and fifth options at corner, you know you’re in trouble.
That’s where Johnson’s return becomes absolutely crucial. This isn’t just about getting another body on the field – it’s about getting back a player who was already carving out a significant role before the injury bug bit him. The rookie’s length gives him a natural advantage in coverage, and his ball skills have been evident in the limited action we’ve seen. More importantly, Johnson brings that fearless rookie mentality that sometimes gets lost when veterans start overthinking situations.
But here’s the kicker – two other Cardinals corners, Denzel Burke (knee) and Max Melton (hamstring), are also listed as questionable for Sunday. If those guys can’t go, Johnson’s return goes from important to essential. The fact that Arizona didn’t elevate any cornerbacks from the practice squad on Saturday suggests they’re confident in having their walking wounded ready to play.
Cardinals Need a Bounce-Back Performance
Sitting at 2-2 after dropping two straight games, the Cardinals find themselves in that familiar NFL purgatory – mediocre and looking for answers. Sure, facing a 0-4 Titans team should theoretically be the perfect tonic for what ails them, but any NFL veteran will tell you that desperate teams are often the most dangerous.
Head Coach Jonathan Gannon isn’t taking anything for granted, telling reporters this week, “When you turn on the tape, it catches our guys’ attention. I know their record and where they’re at right now, but they’ve got really good coaches, really good players, and we’re going to have to play probably our best scheme to date to beat them.”
That’s coach-speak for “we better not overlook these guys,” and it’s the right mindset. The Titans might be winless, but they’re getting back some key pieces of their own. Running Back Tyjae Spears and Wide Receiver Calvin Ridley are both expected to play despite dealing with injuries.
The Bigger Picture For Johnson’s Development
Beyond the immediate impact on Sunday’s game, Johnson’s return represents something bigger for the Cardinals’ long-term plans. This kid was drafted to be a cornerstone of their secondary, and every snap he misses is development time lost.
The NFL is an unforgiving league that doesn’t wait for anyone to get healthy. Rookies especially need every rep they can get to adjust to the speed and complexity of the professional game. Johnson has already shown he can compete at this level – now it’s about building on that foundation.
The Cardinals are currently favored by a significant margin against Tennessee, which should provide Johnson with a relatively comfortable environment for his return. Sometimes the football gods smile on you like that.
Final Thoughts: A Test Of Character
Johnson’s return isn’t just about X’s and O’s – it is about how a young player responds to adversity. Injuries are part of the game, but how you handle them and come back from them says everything about your character and long-term prospects.
The Cardinals need this win to get back above .500 and regain some momentum in what’s shaping up to be a competitive NFC. Having Johnson back in the lineup gives them a better chance to accomplish that goal while continuing to develop one of their most promising young players.
Sunday’s game against the Titans might not be a showcase matchup, but for Will Johnson, it’s a chance to prove that two weeks on the sideline haven’t dulled his edge. Sometimes that’s all a rookie needs – just another opportunity to show he belongs.
