Arizona Cardinals: Josh Johnson Returns to the Roster Amid Quarterback Crisis
The 40-year-old journeyman joins the team as Gardner Minshew faces a torn UCL and rookie Carson Beck takes over as starter.
By Christopher Singh ·
Josh Johnson has joined the Arizona Cardinals, becoming the fifteenth National Football League franchise he has played for. The 40-year-old quarterback signed with the team on Monday following an injury to starter Gardner Minshew. This move places Johnson in the backup role behind rookie Carson Beck, who will now assume the starting position.
The timeline of events began late in the first half of the Cardinals' 17-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Minshew was hit while attempting a pass and continued to play through the remainder of the game. NFL Network reported that the veteran quarterback is believed to have suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament, an injury often considered season-ending.
The injury arrived one week after the Cardinals traded Jacoby Brissett to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a fourth-round and a seventh-round draft pick. This transaction left the team without an experienced veteran backup before Minshew's setback. Beck, 23, was selected in the third round of the draft and had previously led the University of Miami to the national championship game last season.
Beck showed promise in the preseason opener, completing 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown in the Hall of Fame Game. He did not appear in any subsequent preseason contests. His upcoming role will be challenging as the team lacks deep receiving options following recent personnel changes.
Head coach Mike LaFleuer announced on Monday that No. 1 receiver Michael Wilson is out for the season with a fractured neck sustained against the Seahawks. The Cardinals also previously traded Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Houston Texans. Reggie Virgil is now the team's top receiving option. The Cardinals are currently 3-6 on the season.
Johnson's career includes stints with the Buccaneers, 49ers, Bengals, Browns, Washington, Jets, Colts, Bills, Ravens, Giants, Texans, Raiders, Lions, and Broncos. In the final two games of last season, he started for the Washington Commanders. He led the team to a 24-17 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the season finale.
The Cardinals will host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET. Beck will make his regular season debut in that matchup, with Johnson serving as his backup.
