The Arizona Cardinals placed wide receiver Michael Wilson on injured reserve Tuesday, ending his season after he suffered a fractured neck during Sunday’s 17-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Meanwhile, starting quarterback Gardner Minshew is facing a potential season-ending surgery after tearing the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his throwing elbow during the same game.
Wilson’s injury occurred on the fourth play of the game when he caught a 17-yard pass and was tackled by Seattle cornerback Devon Witherspoon, landing on his head. Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur noted that Wilson initially downplayed the injury, telling reporters, “He said (during the game) he kind of had a kink in his neck, but he's such a warrior you didn't think much of it.” Further medical evaluation confirmed the severity of the fracture, prompting the team’s decision to place him on IR.
Wilson, 26, signed a three-year, $75 million extension before Week 1 and had been the Cardinals’ No. 1 wide receiver, recording 51 catches for 546 yards and two touchdowns in nine games this season. Last year, he posted career highs with 78 receptions, 1,006 yards, and seven touchdowns. His absence leaves Arizona with a depleted receiving corps, including Simi Fehoko, Devin Duvernay, Reggie Virgil, and Harrison Wallace.
Minshew’s injury occurred during the same game, with reports indicating he suffered a torn UCL in his throwing elbow. ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted that Minshew could require season-ending surgery, though he is seeking additional medical opinions before making a final decision. The Cardinals have since scrambled to bolster their quarterback depth, signing veteran Josh Johnson from the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad and undrafted rookie Joey Aguilar from the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad. Rookie Carson Beck, Arizona’s third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is expected to make his first NFL start against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
Implications for the Cardinals
The Cardinals’ offensive outlook has shifted dramatically with Wilson and Minshew both sidelined. Tight end Trey McBride, who leads the NFL with 73 receptions and 598 yards, is expected to see an increased workload in Wilson’s absence. However, the team’s ability to generate offense will depend heavily on Beck’s performance or Johnson’s veteran experience.
The Cardinals’ front office has emphasized opportunity for other players to step up, with LaFleur stating, “This creates opportunities for other players to show what they can do.” The team’s remaining receivers, including Duvernay and Fehoko, will need to fill the void left by Wilson’s absence. Meanwhile, the quarterback situation remains fluid, with Beck’s inexperience posing a potential challenge against a Los Angeles Rams defense that has won three straight games.
Recent Transactions and Depth Chart Adjustments
In addition to signing Johnson and Aguilar, the Cardinals traded Jacoby Brissett to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday, further thinning their quarterback depth. The moves leave Beck as the projected starter, with Johnson and Aguilar serving as backups. Aguilar, a former Tennessee Volunteer, completed 272 of 404 passes for 3,565 yards and 24 touchdowns in his most recent college season.
The Cardinals’ injury woes extend beyond Wilson and Minshew, as the team grapples with a lack of offensive firepower heading into the final stretch of the season. With McBride as the focal point of the passing game, the team’s ability to adapt will be critical in determining their playoff chances.