The Arizona Cardinals got a pair of key injury boosts in the hours before their Week 5 game against the Tennessee Titans, as both cornerback Will Johnson and guard Will Hernandez are active.
Johnson is returning after missing two games with a groin injury, while Hernandez will make his first appearance since suffering a torn ACL nearly a year ago.
The injury news, though, is not all good for the Cardinals. Cornerback Max Melton and guard Evan Brown are both out with hamstring injuries. Melton appeared on the injury report as questionable on Oct. 4, while Brown was doubtful after not participating in practice on Oct. 3.
Those injuries only amplify the importance of Johnson and Hernandez. Without Johnson, the Cardinals would have been down to Kei’Trel Clark and Denzel Burke as their top two cornerbacks. Now, those two will rotate through the second spot, with Johnson operating as the Cardinals’ top corner.
Hernandez, meanwhile, should boost an offensive line that has struggled to create push in the running game all season. If Brown was healthy, Hernandez would likely have replaced the struggling Isaiah Adams, but instead, he will take the place of Brown, who has been excellent in pass protection but less effective as a run blocker.
Prior to his torn ACL, Hernandez was off to one of the best starts of his career in 2024. That form would be a significant help for this rushing attack.