Arizona Cardinals: Chris Johnson could have big role

The Arizona Cardinals brought the veteran rusher back into the fold on Thursday

Just in time for training camp.  The Arizona Cardinals announced earlier today that Chris Johnson was returning on a one-year deal.

Previously Johnson has said he wanted to go somewhere where he would be able to start.  He won’t get that in Arizona but he should be the first backup to David Johnson.

Chris Johnson saw his 2016 season cut short due to injury.  He was eligible to return in December off of injured reserve, however the Cardinals decided to bring safety Tyvon Branch off instead. Under the new 2017 rules, Johnson would have been able to return as well.

The big question now is what does that mean for him and the other running backs?  Certainly David Johnson will get the bulk of the carries.  However Chris Johnson wouldn’t have returned unless he knew he could help significantly.

This leaves two backs future in doubt with the team.  Both Kerwynn Williams and Andre Ellington were expected to compete for the backup job.  Now one or both of them could be faced with very little playing time or none at all if they get cut.

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Ellington already saw his move to receiver cut short recently.  He still has a better chance making the team as a running back.

As for Chris Johnson, he doesn’t have the versatility that David Johnson owns but he has the experience.  A team that is trying to win a Super Bowl needs a guy like Chris Johnson.

There are also a couple of young runners in Elijhaa Penny and rookie T.J. Logan he can help mentor. Certainly he didn’t return to do just that.

However his options were likely limited.  Arizona quite honestly was the best place for him to land at this point in his career.  He will be 32 in September. There aren’t a lot of teams looking for 32-year-old starting running backs.

Both sides will benefit from this move in the end.  As long as he can stay healthy, and that’s a big if, Chris Johnson should have a solid season doing all the little things.