Cardinals Sign Josh Johnson off Bengals Practice Squad

Arizona adds veteran quarterback Josh Johnson as Gardner Minshew recovers from a UCL injury.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Football

Photograph of a single football resting on a green practice field with pale desert mountains softly visible in the distance under warm late-afternoon light. — The Arizona Cardinals signed quarterback Josh Johnson off the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad as Gardner Minshew recovers from a UCL injury. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Arizona Cardinals signed quarterback Josh Johnson off the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move comes amid multiple quarterback injuries for Arizona, including Gardner Minshew, who is sidelined with a UCL injury.

Why it matters

The signing adds depth at a position the Cardinals have been forced to patch this season. For Arizona readers, it signals how the team is managing injuries at quarterback as the season moves on.

Johnson will be his 15th NFL team across 14 NFL seasons, underscoring a long journeyman career. He started for the Bengals in the 2026 preseason, and his availability for the Cardinals' next game was not stated.

The players

Josh Johnson

Quarterback Josh Johnson has built a long NFL career as a backup who has played for numerous teams across 14 seasons.

Zac Taylor

Zac Taylor is the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, who has led the franchise since 2019.

The details

Johnson, who started for Cincinnati in the 2026 preseason, moves to Arizona as the Cardinals work around Minshew's UCL injury. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor addressed the roster change context on Sunday while looking ahead to divisional games against the Steelers.

Preseason 2026: Johnson started for the Bengals.
Sunday: Zac Taylor discussed upcoming divisional games.
Monday: Adam Schefter reported the Cardinals' signing of Johnson.

Season Trajectory

The move shows how Arizona is covering quarterback depth while Minshew is out, a situation that can shape the Cardinals' standing in a competitive division. Quarterback injuries have repeatedly tested playoff hopes across the league this season.

For fantasy managers, Johnson's move matters only if he earns meaningful snaps behind the Cardinals' starter, which the stub does not confirm. Arizona fans should watch the depth chart in the coming days to see whether Johnson is positioned to play.

The takeaway

Roster depth at quarterback can change quickly when injuries hit, and a practice squad move can become a meaningful backup plan. Watch the depth chart after any signing to see how the role takes shape.