The Arizona Cardinals have placed running back Chris Johnson on injured reserve with a designation to return, according to NFL Network’s Albert Breer. The designation is potentially important: The next game Johnson is eligible to play is Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7.
Chris Johnson placed on injured reserve but could return for Super Bowl 50
With Andre Ellington’s status also uncertain, the Cardinals may have to rely on rookie David Johnson in the running game for the time being.
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Johnson suffered a fractured tibia during the Cardinals’ win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. He was in the midst of an excellent comeback season, rushing for 814 yards at 4.2 yards per carry through 11 games, putting him on pace for his best rushing total since 2012. The 9-2 Cardinals have been one of the better rushing teams in the league, averaging 115.2 yards per game on the ground.
Fellow running back Andre Ellington suffered turf toe against the 49ers. Though that means he should come back to the field much sooner than Johnson, it leaves the Cardinals shorthanded for the time being. Rookie back David Johnson, who has ran well but struggled with fumbles, is expected to handle most of the carries should Ellington sit. Third-year Stepfan Taylor will also be in the mix, and the Cardinals could call up Kerwynn Williams from the practice squad.
The Cardinals made Johnson a focal point of their offense for good reason. His athleticism and toughness, even at 30 years old, made him a reliable option behind Carson Palmer at quarterback. Cardinals fans would be happy to see him again this season for a number of reasons.
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