Cardinals Lose Starting Tackle Paris Johnson Jr. for Season With Torn Biceps

The Arizona Cardinals lost their starting left tackle for the season on Monday when coach Mike LaFleur confirmed Paris Johnson Jr. suffered a torn biceps in his left arm late in the 36-24 loss to the New York Giants.

Johnson is expected to have surgery soon to begin the long process of recovery. LaFleur expressed sympathy for the 25-year-old, calling the injury painful for the player and the team alike, while noting that October football waits for no one.

Rookie seventh-round pick Jayden Williams stepped in to finish the game at left tackle, and veteran Josh Fryar provides additional depth on the roster. Still, replacing the sixth overall pick of the 2023 draft — who started every game of his rookie season — is a major blow to Arizona's offense and to a line already dealing with injuries to safety Andrew Wingard and lineman Isaiah Adams, both carted off in the first half.

Johnson's injury history complicates the picture further. He has missed at least three games to injury every season since his rookie year, suiting up for 14 games in 2025 and 12 last season. Arizona picked up his fifth-year option for 2027 in April, but his future beyond that is now clouded, with any extension talks next offseason certain to revolve around durability.

For now, the Cardinals must protect their quarterback with a rookie at the most important position on the line — a daunting assignment as the schedule turns to the Detroit Lions.