Arizona Cardinals: Running back camp preview
By Scott Allen
After Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson, the field is murky as to who will back him up
You should find many fantasy footballers this preseason picking Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson as their number one running back but number one overall pick. That said, there is no competition for the starting running back.
That doesn’t mean there won’t be any competition from the rest of the backs on the roster. In fact, it could get very interesting.
Don’t be surprised if the competition for backup running back heats up in August with players that aren’t even on the roster right now. There will be several backs fighting for spots on the 53-man roster.
Johnson of course will be the workhorse. He had 1,239-yards rushing with 20 touchdowns last season, 16 of them on the ground to go with his four receiving touchdowns. He grabbed 80 passes in 2016.
He has already come out saying he expects to be a 1,000-yard rusher and 1,000-yard receiver in 2017. You have to love the attitude.
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As for the rest of the group, there could be some tough cuts ahead. There are six backs on the roster currently. Likely no more than four will be carried on the regular season roster.
Predictions:
Starter: David Johnson
Backups: Andre Ellington, Kerwynn Williams
Practice squad possibilities: Elijhaa Penny, James Summers, T.J Logan
All six backs currently on the roster have a shot at the final roster. The team really likes Logan. Penny is well-liked and spent last season on the practice squad.
Then there is the unknown. Will a back not currently on the roster be there in the mix this preseason. Could that person be Chris Johnson? He has not found a team yet but he wants to be a starter.
He won’t be a starter here but of someone falters in Arizona, he could be here quick. That’s still a ways down the road. For now, the Cardinals have plenty of talent to fill the spots needed.