Cardinals place OT Williams on IR, season-ending surgery for shoulder injury confirmed
The Arizona Cardinals have placed right tackle Jonah Williams on injured reserve, effectively ending his season due to a shoulder injury.
Why it matters: This development is significant for the Cardinals, who will now need to navigate the remainder of the season without one of their starting linemen.
Williams sustained the injury during a Week 10 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks and will undergo surgery to address the issue. Coach Jonathan Gannon emphasized Williams' importance to the team, stating, "He is a starter, good player. Just he wasn't going to be able to play the rest of the year."
By the numbers: Williams has had a challenging tenure with the Cardinals, missing 19 of 34 games over two seasons due to various injuries.
- Out of those absences, 18 were while he was on injured reserve.
- Last season, he missed nine weeks after suffering a right knee injury in Week 1 and subsequently faced another knee injury in Week 16 that sidelined him for the last two games of the 2024-25 season.
What’s next: The team now faces the task of replacing Williams on the offensive line.
- With his departure, the Cardinals may need to adjust their blocking schemes, particularly if they wish to maintain their current offensive approach.
- The success of their running game, often dependent on the stability of the offensive line, could be jeopardized without Williams.
Yes, but: While losing Williams is a setback, the Cardinals might find opportunities for younger players to step up.
- Williams had signed a two-year deal worth $30 million with $19 million guaranteed in March 2024, indicating the team's investment in his talents prior to this injury.
The big picture: Injuries have plagued Williams since joining the NFL, raising questions about his durability moving forward.
- His inability to stay healthy could complicate contract negotiations when he becomes a free agent again and may impact the Cardinals’ long-term strategy regarding offensive line depth.
Zoom In: Williams' injury highlights the ongoing struggles teams face with player health and the unpredictable nature of injuries in contact sports like football.
- As the Cardinals look to regroup, they will have to consider how best to support their quarterback and enhance their offensive productivity without their key right tackle.
