Cardinals CB Will Johnson could miss rest of season with neck injury

Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur said second-year cornerback Will Johnson may sit out the entire year after suffering a neck injury.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur announced that cornerback Will Johnson is dealing with a neck injury that could keep him out for the rest of the season. LaFleur shared the update at practice, calling the situation unfortunate for the promising young defender.

Johnson was drafted 47th overall in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Michigan, where he was part of the Wolverines' 2023-24 national championship team. Concerns about injuries had caused him to slip in the draft after once being projected as a potential top-ten selection.

As a rookie, Johnson appeared in 12 games and started 10, recording 37 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and a forced fumble. His durability had become less of a concern after that first season in Arizona.

The injury news comes as the Cardinals, who fell 31-7 to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2 after opening the season with a win over the Chargers, prepare to face the San Francisco 49ers on September 27. LaFleur also provided an optimistic update on running back Jeremiyah Love ahead of that divisional matchup.