Josh Johnson has signed with the Arizona Cardinals, marking his 15th NFL team, following an injury to quarterback Gardner Minshew. Minshew sustained what is believed to be a torn UCL late in the first half of the Cardinals' loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
The veteran quarterback played through the remainder of the game but is expected to miss the rest of the season. This development comes just a week after the Cardinals traded Jacoby Brissett to the Baltimore Ravens for draft picks.
With Minshew sidelined, rookie Carson Beck is set to become the starting quarterback for the Cardinals. Johnson will serve as the primary backup.
Johnson's extensive career has seen him on the rosters of numerous teams, including the Buccaneers, 49ers, Bengals, Browns, Commanders, Jets, Colts, Bills, Ravens, Giants, Texans, Raiders, and Lions, in addition to his previous stint with the Broncos. Last season, he played in five games for the Commanders, starting the final two and leading the team to a victory in the season finale.
Beck, a third-round draft pick from Miami, impressed in the preseason opener by completing 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown. He has not appeared in another preseason game since.
The Cardinals' receiving corps has also been hit hard, with head coach Mike LaFleuer announcing that top receiver Michael Wilson is out for the season with a fractured neck. The team had previously traded Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Houston Texans, leaving Reggie Virgil as the current top receiving option.
Arizona is scheduled to host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.