Arizona Cardinals Rashad Johnson Expects To Play Sunday

Sep 8, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brian Quick (83) catches a 16 yard pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers (25) and Rashad Johnson (26) defend during the second half at Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated Arizona 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

By now we all know the gruesome tale of Arizona Cardinals Rashad Johnson and his middle finger, which was severed at the tip this past Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.  For all of us, I think you could probably count us out of playing football for awhile but not Rashad Johnson.  Johnson told ESPN on Thursday that he expected to play on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Of course, he has still yet to be cleared by doctors, so I wouldn’t count him in right now either.  The fact that only four days later it is a possibility is amazing to me.  Even if he doesn’t play this Sunday, it sure sounds like he’ll be returning to game action sooner rather than later.  Johnson tweeted out the pictures of his middle finger the other night and the photos have gone viral.  The story has certainly gained a lot of attention.

Clearly Friday will be a big day as we see how he is listed on the injury report.  My best guess is that Johnson will be listed as questionable and it will probably come down to a gameday decision.  I honestly would not be surprised either way if he sits or plays.  Certainly if the Cards think he would be a liability, even with doctors clearance, I would expect the Cards to sit him at that point.  Right now the Cards are hurting injury-wise.  At some point depth becomes an issue and right now we know the issue at linebacker for the Cards.  The last thing the Cards need is depth issues at corner.  I believe the Cards will have the teams’ and Johnson’s best interests in mind when it comes to his status.  If that means sitting him, then so be it.  Either way, props to Johnson for fighting through this.