Cardinals Face Tough Challenge Without Paris Johnson Jr.
The Arizona Cardinals are set to face a significant hurdle in their upcoming Week 15 contest against the Houston Texans, as premier left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. will be sidelined due to injury. Head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed the news during his Wednesday press conference, stating, “Happy Wednesday. Okay, injury front: Paris will not go this week. Everybody else we’ll kind of see how the week goes.”
Johnson, who has emerged as a vital component of the Cardinals’ offensive line, reportedly sustained a sprained MCL in the previous week’s game. The injury leaves him in a week-to-week situation, raising concerns about the team’s stability as they approach the crucial final weeks of the season.
Impact on the Team’s Performance
Losing Johnson is particularly impactful for the Cardinals, as he currently leads all left tackles in Pro Bowl voting with just four weeks remaining in the season. This season has been challenging for Arizona, which holds a disappointing 3-10 record, having lost ten of its last eleven outings.
Gannon remains optimistic despite the setbacks. He emphasized the importance of staying focused as the team prepares to face one of the league’s top squads. “Excited to get back on the grass today. Houston’s a good football team; I think on a five-game win streak, best defense in the NFL,” he noted. This acknowledgement of the Texans’ form underlines the challenge awaiting the Cardinals.
The Texans’ Rising Challenge
The Texans, boasting a formidable five-game winning streak, have solidified their place as contenders. Gannon pointed out their strengths on both sides of the ball. “CJ Stroud is back. They do a really good job [in] both phases, taking the ball away on defense, not giving it away on offense,” he remarked. Their performance on fourth downs further adds to the difficulty of the upcoming matchup.
As Arizona gears up to face Houston, the absence of Johnson will surely test their resilience and adaptability. The Cardinals are looking to find a way to rally despite the mounting challenges, and Gannon’s confidence will be key in motivating the team as they strive to turn their season around.
