Cardinals’ Paris Johnson Jr., Will Johnson inactive vs. 49ers

The Arizona Cardinals will be without two more starters for Week 3’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.

After being limited throughout the week of practice with a knee injury, starting left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. is officially inactive for the matchup.

Fellow starter and cornerback Will Johnson also won’t go after missing practice this week with a groin issue. He was a longshot to play this week.

Joining the pair as inactive for Sunday are running back Bam Knight, linebacker Xavier Thomas, wide receiver Xavier Weaver and offensive lineman Will Hernandez (knee). Garrett Williams was also placed on injured reserve this week with a knee issue and will miss at least the next four games.

It wasn’t all bad news, however, with cornerback Max Melton getting the green light for Sunday’s tilt. He has been dealing with a knee injury suffered in last week’s win over Carolina.

Tight end Tip Reiman is also back in the mix after missing Week 2 with a foot injury.

For the 49ers, quarterback Brock Purdy, wide receivers Jauan Jennings and Jordan Watkins, running back Jordan James, defensive lineman Jordan Jefferson and linebacker Nick Martin are inactive.

Who steps in for Paris Johnson Jr., Will Johnson vs. 49ers?

Sunday marks the fourth career game missed for Paris Johnson Jr., who was sidelined the final three weeks of last season due to a knee issue that placed him on injured reserve.

With Paris Johnson Jr. on the mend, the attention turns to veteran swing man Kelvin Beachum as Arizona’s starting left tackle on Sunday.

Beachum knows a thing or two about getting the starting nod in Arizona behind 62 starts in 77 appearances from 2020-25. He’s made 14 starts since the current regime showed up in 2023.

As for who fills in behind Beachum, look for undrafted rookie Josh Fryar and recently elevated practice squad option Jake Curhan.

In the secondary, cornerbacks Kei’Trel Clark, Denzel Burke, Elijah Jones and Darren Hall are in the mix for added snaps with Will Johnson sidelined.

The Cardinals take on the 49ers at 1:25 MST. Catch all the action live on the Arizona Sports app, 98.7 and arizonasports.com.

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