Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
GLENDALE – The 25th running offense in the NFL made two moves on Wednesday to try and crawl there way out of the bottom. The Arizona Cardinals sit at 3-8 and have had three straight weeks with the offense being inept. In the first two instances, turnovers derailed their production, while last week the offensive line and run game was atrocious. Arizona gave up six sacks and only had 55 rushing yards.
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General manager Monti Ossenfort two moves on Wednesday looked to address both problems, opening up the practice window for offensive lineman Christian Jones and signing running back Montrell Johnson Jr. to the practice squad.
Aug 2, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort during the Red and White practice in training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
What does Jones and Johnson Jr. bring to roster?
Jones is former fifth-round pick from last year, who has only appeared in two games for the team. The 25-year-old injured his knee in the preseason opener and has been on the injury reserve for the past four months. The recent events, RT Jonah Williams being placed on IR and Will Hernandez exit from last week’s game, has make Jones return more of a necessity than a luxury for the offensive line.
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Christian Jones (75) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Johnson is a former Florida Gator running back, who went undrafted in the 2025 NFL draft. In college, Johnson was an explosive back out of the backfield, averaging 5.4 yards per carry in his college career. His junior season saw his best overall season with 1000+ scrimmage yards and six touchdowns. The 23-year-old signed with Philadelphia Eagles this past preseason but was cut during the 53-man roster shrinkage.
Aug 22, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Montrell Johnson Jr. (34) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images
The Cardinals were without Emari Demercado in Week 12, which makes the signing of Johnson possibly a possible indicator about his health status for this Sunday. Running back Trey Benson had his 21-day practice window open and could be activated to the 53-man roster at anytime. However, the Johnson signing and Benson not being activated halfway through his practice window could mean the team are being cautious and wait another week.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
