Report: Cardinals signing QB Josh Johnson after injury to Gardner Minshew

The Arizona Cardinals are signing 40-year-old quarterback Josh Johnson off the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday.

Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur said starting quarterback Gardner Minshew is undergoing further testing on his right elbow after taking a shot during his throwing motion late in the first half on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the Cardinals are concerned that Minshew suffered a torn UCL and could miss the rest of the season.

The Johnson addition is a sign that Minshew will miss time, as the only other quarterback on the roster is rookie Carson Beck, who is in line to make his NFL debut on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.

Johnson has had quite a football journey, as the Cardinals are his 15th NFL team in 14 seasons. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008 and has also played in the United Football League, Alliance of America Football and XFL.

Throughout that time, Johnson has played in 50 NFL games and started 11. He last saw regular season action in 2025 for the Washington Commanders, playing five games with two starts.

Johnson played three games for the 2021 New York Jets, whose offensive coordinator was LaFleur.

He owns a career 58.7% completion percentage, 14 touchdowns and 18 interceptions, along with 481 rushing yards.

Veteran QB Josh Johnson is on the move again ‼️

The 40-year-old is joining his 15th NFL team in 14 seasons after signing with the Arizona Cardinals. pic.twitter.com/9nJDD0zi47

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) November 10, 2026

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