The Arizona Cardinals have already ruled out receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., but there were a couple of other key updates on Thursday’s injury report.
The Cardinals are pretty beat up after the last two weeks, with Harrison out, linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. on injured reserve, and running back Emari Demercado nursing an ankle injury. However, Arizona got some encouraging news from Thursday’s injury report.
What’s the Latest Update On Will Johnson?
The big news of the day was cornerback Will Johnson returning to practice. The Cardinals’ rookie has been one of the best in the NFL this season.
Johnson is ranked No. 9 among all cornerbacks in the league, according to PFSN’s CB Impact. Still, he’s missed the last two games.
However, Johnson returned on Thursday and logged a limited practice session. What did the rest of the Cardinals’ injury report look like?
OL Kelvin Beachum (Groin) – DNP
LB Baron Browning (Concussion) – DNP
WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Illness) – DNP
CB Will Johnson (Back/Hip) – Limited
S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (Ankle) – DNP
OL Jonah Williams (Shoulder) – DNP
OL Will Hernandez (Knee) – Limited
RB Emari Demercado (Ankle) – DNP
RB Trey Benson (Knee) – Limited
OL Hayden Conner (Knee) – Limited
RB Bam Knight (Ankle) – Limited
DL Darius Robinson (Groin) – Limited
CB Garrett Williams (Ankle) – Limited
The Cardinals’ offensive line remains beat up with three guys on the injury report in addition to Conner, who’s recovering from an IR stint. However, Hernandez was a limited practice participant on Thursday after not practicing on Wednesday.
Johnson returned to practice for the first time since he left Week 9 against the Dallas Cowboys. There’s no further information at the moment about his expected status on Sunday.
Browning and Taylor-Demerson didn’t practice for a second straight day, which means they’re unlikely to play on Sunday. Browning remains out with a concussion, and Taylor-Demerson with the ankle injury they both sustained against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 10.
Knight, Robinson, and Williams logged limited practices for the second straight day. All three practiced limited last week and played against the San Francisco 49ers.
Friday will be an important day of practice for Johnson and Hernandez, especially. If the rookie cornerback can play on Sunday, it would be a huge boost for a very injured defense.
Johnson has been the Cardinals’ best defensive back this year when he’s been in the game. Fellow rookie Walter Nolen III has not made an appearance on the injury report this week.
This is the first week this season that Nolen has not been on the injury report at all. The rookie has made an incredible impact in his limited time this season, and this should mean he’s the healthiest he’s been yet.