Dec 25, (V7N) - The Arizona Cardinals announced Tuesday that starting offensive tackles Paris Johnson Jr. and Jonah Williams will miss the remainder of the season due to knee injuries. The news deals a significant blow to a team already eliminated from postseason contention.Head coach Jonathan Gannon initially ruled both players out for Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Rams (9-6). Hours later, the team placed the duo on injured reserve, ending their seasons.

Paris Johnson Jr., 23, sustained a left knee injury in Week 15 against the New England Patriots. The 2023 first-round pick out of Ohio State missed his first career game on Sunday during the Cardinals' 36-30 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. Johnson played every offensive snap during his rookie season and 98% of the snaps this year before the injury.

Jonah Williams, 27, injured his right knee in the season opener against Buffalo. After spending weeks on injured reserve, he returned on Oct. 30 and started six games before re-injuring the same knee last Sunday against Carolina. Williams joined the Cardinals in March after four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.The Cardinals will turn to their depth chart for the final stretch of the season:

Jackson Barton, promoted from the practice squad, is slated to replace Williams at right tackle.

Kelvin Beachum, who stepped in for Johnson last weekend, will continue to fill the left tackle role.Arizona's injury report is extensive, with several key players nursing issues:

Running backs James Conner (knee) and Trey Benson (ankle) were limited in practice.

Kicker Matt Prater (left knee) also participated in a limited capacity.

Safety Joey Blount (ribs), cornerback Elijah Jones (ankle), and punter Michael Palardy (illness) did not practice.

Offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum received a rest day.

With a 7-8 record and no chance at postseason play, the Cardinals are shifting focus to evaluating younger talent and planning for the 2025 season. Their offensive line struggles will be a key area to address in the offseason as they aim to protect their franchise quarterback and revitalize their offense.

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