Cardinals elevate Starling Thomas V for CB help, send Will Johnson to IR

The Arizona Cardinals are promoting cornerback Starling Thomas V from the practice squad and sending Will Johnson to injured reserve.

Johnson has a neck injury that could sideline him for the rest of the season, sidelining one of Arizona’s two starting corners on the outside. The other, Max Melton, is also injured with a day-to-day designation. The impending return of nickelback Garrett Williams would allow Denzel Burke to move back to the outside after he covered for Williams on the inside.

Thomas was one of a few overachievers on a 2024 Cardinals defense that surprised some folks, and he had established a starting role, starting in 22 games. The 26-year-old, however, then tore his ACL in training camp and missed all of the 2025 season. Thomas then had to compete with those four corners, as well as Kei’Trel Clark and Kalen King, for roster spots. Thomas missed out and then was added to the practice squad.

The Cardinals’ first injury report for Sunday’s matchup with the San Francisco 49ers releases on Wednesday and will potentially shine a light on if Melton and Williams have a chance of suiting up on Sunday. Williams has missed both games this season while Melton exited Sunday’s loss with a foot issue.

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