Cardinals’ Will Johnson, fans show out for Red & White Practice

GLENDALE — The Arizona Cardinals’ annual Red & White Practice lacked some signature star power, with Marvin Harrison Jr., James Conner and Calais Campbell among the biggest names sidelined for the scrimmage.

Will Johnson, however, helped make up for the notable absences.

Cardinals rookie CB Will Johnson with the interception during first-team 11-on-11s. 👀

(Stay for the celebration) pic.twitter.com/kFzoxueliB

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 2, 2025

Continuing his progression toward being a realistic Week 1 starter for Arizona, Johnson came down with his first interception of camp.

During early 11-on-11 work, Johnson stuck to de facto WR1 Zay Jones like glue before reaching up and snagging the INT.

The reaction from the sideline, veteran safety Budda Baker and the fans in the stands said it all.

Saturday marked yet another step in the right direction for Johnson, who hasn’t blinked since camp began, with head coach Jonathan Gannon citing his football IQ as something that has stood out so far.

Pairing that with on-the-field production could do wonders in helping solidify the starting cornerbacks situation.

Garrett Williams and Max Melton are going to get their snaps in 2025. That was a given before camp even began.

But now with Johnson’s continued development, plus the loss of Starling Thomas V to a torn ACL, Johnson is squarely in the mix to be a key contributor in 2025.

Will Johnson, other young Cardinals getting run with the 1s

With both Harrison and Wilson out Saturday, that meant more first-team reps up for grabs.

Jones slid in as Arizona’s WR1. Greg Dortch also saw plenty of snaps.

Kyler Murray ➡️ Zay Jones pic.twitter.com/p4uCHS9wzK

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 2, 2025

But it was Xavier Weaver helping round out the primary trio of first-team wideouts.

He found the end zone during red zone work and flashed his speed down the sideline. That being said, Weaver failed to reel in a catchable ball working with the second-team offense.

Those are the plays Gannon is looking for Weaver to make in a WR3 competition that Jones and Dortch have the lead in.

Moving over to the trenches, it was interesting to see Jon Gaines II get some snaps with the first-team during early 11-on-11s. Hjalte Froholdt still handled his fair share of snaps throughout the scrimmage.

Gaines also worked as the second-team center.

The Cardinals likely have their starters along the interior with Isaiah Adams, Froholdt and Evan Brown.

Now, it’s about rounding out the depth behind them. Through more than a week of work, no one really has a stranglehold on swing guard.

Pass rusher Jordan Burch also continues to see first- and second-team snaps.

“(Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis) and I were just talking about his movement,” Gannon said Saturday. “He’s a big man. He weighs a lot. When you look at a guy and he looks like he weighs probably 25 pounds more than what he looks to you, that’s typically a good sign.

“He’s put together, but I wanted to see the movement and the get off and the burst and acceleration from the edge and I think he’s displayed that.”

Cardinals fans brought the energy for Red & White Practice

While Johnson showed out on the football field, the fans did the same off of it.

Definitely feels like more Cardinals fans are in the stands for this year’s Red & White Practice compared to 2024. pic.twitter.com/ab1mE6g9SR

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 2, 2025

From field level, it looked like a much better turnout compared to the past two camps under the current regime.

“I did get excited today just seeing all the fans out there and the flags flying,” Conner said. “I just love the game. I love being a part of everything we got going on here, and the fans showed out today. I wanted to be out there for sure.”

Another sign expectations have heightened in Arizona.

That’s a wrap for the annual Red & White Practice. pic.twitter.com/4MaunzKUdP

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 2, 2025

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