Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals guard Will Hernandez (76) against the Washington Commanders at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
GLENDALE – In the past two weeks, the Arizona Cardinals have placed two offensive lineman on injury reserve, derailing the unit’s chemistry. The first name was right tackle Jonah Williams, who had shoulder surgery and is out for the year. The new name is the name to Williams’ right in starting right guard Will Hernandez. At the beginning of the 2025 season, Hernandez was still recovering from a torn ACL from last season.
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His return in Week 5 was seen as a huge boost for Arizona’s offensive line. However, Hernandez has had to battle through nagging injuries throughout this season, with it building up to this moment. The 30-year-old suffered hip and knee injuries that will have him miss a minimum of four weeks on IR, which will essentially end his 2025 season.
Oct 6, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals guard Will Hernandez (76) is examined by medical personnel during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Who will replace Hernandez?
In the same headline of the Hernandez news, the Cardinals activated rookie offensive lineman Hayden Conner. The sixth-round pick hasn’t played a snap this season, as Conner was on injury reserve for a knee injury suffered in the preseason. Despite the positive news for Conner, the more likely answer for Hernandez’s replacement is Isaiah Adams.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Isaiah Adams (74) is introduced before their game against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Sept. 25, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
When Hernandez tore his ACL in 2024, Adams stepped up in a major way to keep the team’s offensive production on par. Adams held onto the role at the beginning of this season, before Hernandez return in October. The former third-round pick has been used sparingly since Week 5, until Hernandez was injury in Week 12 vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Adams replaced him and took on the challenge of being a replacement again. With the injuries to two starters and the lack of viable options on the roster, Adams is a no-brainer to return to the lineup in Week 13 vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Cardinals Marvin Harrison Jr. making progress towards Week 13 return
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
