Although the Buffalo Bills‘ morale was high, going into their season opener against the Cardinals on their home turf. Looking back at the first quarter of the game at Highmark Stadium, things are looking shaky for the Bills. As nickel CB Taron Johnson, who is set to anchor the Bills’ defense, is possibly injured.

Reports are coming out that teammate Taylor Rapp has probably injured Johnson during a 70-yard touchdown drive led by the Cardinals. As Rapp put in the tackle against Greg Dortch, who latched on to a pass from Kyler Murray from the 30-yard line. It might have left something on Johnson.

With the next snap of the game, Johnson dropped to his knee, seeking medical attention. Although trainers ran quickly to inspect the possible injury, the Bills CB eventually vacated the field without needing major assistance. However, providing an update on the situation, the Bills confirmed that Johnson might have suffered an injury to his forearm.

Trainers have run into the field as they look for possible injuries in his forearm.

Even though he tried to shake it off by moving his forearm, his return looks incredibly questionable after making his way into the locker room. An injury this early into the game could hurt the Bills’ chances of winning the first game out in the regular season. The Bills are already without their All-Pro LB Matt Milano, thereby putting their defense shorthanded in week 1 itself.

After last season’s 98 tackles, eight pass interceptions and three quick-handed fumbles, expectations were greater than ever from the 28-year-old. Even Ross Tucker of CBS spoke highly about the Bills CB by calling him “arguably the best nickel back in the league.” Well, speaking about his importance to the squad, the Bills rewarded their nickel cornerback with a lucrative contract extension at the start of this year.

Taron Johnson’s growing importance after contract extension earlier this year

Before the start of the new season, Johnson was given his contract extension, thereby putting him among the best-paid CBs in the league. With a three-year deal worth $31 million, Johnson’s extension keeps him at the Highmark Stadium until 2027. After signing his deal, Johnson was visibly excited: “I feel extremely blessed, you know? I couldn’t even see this far when I was a child. It’s a blessing beyond words. I hopefully can retire here in the future.”

Having signed his new contract, the nickel CB joins left tackle Dion Dawkins, who got his extension a few days back. Johnson has been an ever-present member of the team, having played every game, albeit missing one in 2020. From the moment he signed for the Bills in 2018, he has struck an excellent partnership with QB Josh Allen. Playing his seventh season for the Bills, his importance to the team has grown bigger as safety Jordan Poyer, CB Tre’Davious White, and Micah Hyde left the franchise this offseason.

But can Johnson return in time from the forearm injury he suffered during the Bills week 1 clash against the Cardinals? Only time will tell as we wait for further updates on his possible absence from the roster.