Jayden Williams to slot in as Cardinals’ left tackle with Paris Johnson Jr. out for the year

TEMPE — Arizona Cardinals rookie offensive lineman Jayden Williams was already getting talked up.

Filling in as an extra blocker in Arizona’s heavy packages for 19 offensive snaps, the 2026 seventh-round rookie was getting more offensive run than many would have thought a few months ago.

Head coach Mike LaFleur even gave him an impromptu shoutout for his athleticism and route-running abilities in the week leading up to Arizona’s loss to the New York Giants.

 

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He hasn’t been the only one to applauding the rookie, either.

Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and quarterback Jacoby Brissett have also been impressed by the 6-foot-4, 307-pound offensive tackle in his limited exposure in the offense.

 

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Williams, however, won’t be in that role this week after Sunday’s season-ending biceps injury to Paris Johnson Jr. has the rookie thrust into the starting lineup.

“Jayden will slot in at left tackle,” LaFleur confirmed with Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo on Monday. “It’s been cool in terms of getting him in there. He had a really good camp for us … and then when we’re going 13 personnel and we put that extra lineman in there, he’s done a heck of a job for us.

“We got a lot of confidence in this young man. He’s wise beyond his years. He’s going to get a start a little quicker than we were anticipating but here we are.”

Jayden Williams’ first start for Cardinals was only a matter of time

Williams was quick to catch the eye of both the coaching staff and his teammates in training camp.

His spot as the backup right tackle said as much. The same goes for his play on the field.

It felt like it was only a matter of time before Williams got his shot along the starters, though most were thinking it would be in place of Elijah Wilkinson, who has struggled at right tackle in his return to the franchise.

Instead, Williams’ opportunity comes on the left side for a Cardinals team needing a boost amid a three-game losing streak.

Cardinals offensive line changes go beyond Jayden Williams

Johnson wasn’t the only Cardinals lineman injured on Sunday.

Starting right guard Isaiah Adams went down with an ankle injury and is most likely out this week against the Detroit Lions.

That opens the door for Jon Gaines II to make his return to the starting lineup after filling for Adams to start the year when the latter was dealing with a knee issue suffered in practice.

No matter who is in the trenches this week for Arizona, it’s going to be a test with an aggressive Lions pass rush up next.

Heading into Week 5, the Lions lead the league in quarterback pressures with 75. They are second in sacks with 15.

Aidan Hutchinson leads the way in both categories (28 pressures and 3.5 sacks) for Detroit. Alim McNeill (15 pressures and 3.0 sacks) and D.J. Wonnum (12 pressures and 3.0 sacks) round out a formidable trio of pass rushers that Williams, Gaines and the rest of the Cardinals offensive line have to contend with this week.

If they can get them at bay long enough, there’s going to be opportunities to be had, with Detroit tied with Arizona (gulp) for the most passing touchdowns allowed this season (11). The Lions are also allowing the most total yards per game (304) and are tied for the fourth-most rushing scores given up (six).

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