Raising Zona
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Arizona Cardinals: Chris Johnson Makes A Ton of Sense

By Zackary Maus

GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 22: Head coach Bruce Arians of the Arizona Cardinals pats running back Chris Johnson #23 (left) on the helmet before the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 22, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 22: Head coach Bruce Arians of the Arizona Cardinals pats running back Chris Johnson #23 (left) on the helmet before the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 22, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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David Johnson was injured in the 3rd quarter of last Sunday’s loss to the Detroit Lions

Arizona lost this past Sunday to the Detroit Lions 35-23. Losing can hurt, but losing your star running back for potentially 12 games is much worse. David Johnson was injured in the 3rd quarter with an apparent wrist injury.

It was no secret that the Cardinals would feature David heavily in the game plan. With David getting injured it needless to say, leaves a gaping hole in our game plan going forward. Without DJ starting, we’re left with Kerwynn Williams, Andre Ellington, and Elijhaa Penny.

There have already been reports that the Cardinals would consider bringing back Chris Johnson. Chris Johnson has been a proven solid back up running back in the past. He was even a star in the league back in the prime of his career.

The only reason he didn’t initially make the 2017-2018 roster was solely cap space. It didn’t make a lot of sense to pay him that contract when Williams proved himself to be capable of backing up DJ last year.

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Now with David being injured it makes a ton of sense to bring him back to the roster for the year. Kerwynn Williams has shown glimpses of potential but is far from a three down back.

Andre Ellington most definitely cant handle three down reps with his injury history. Furthermore Elijhaa Penny is a borderline practice squad talent who barely made the active roster.

Chris Johnson makes the most sense to come in and fill that heavy duty role David was expected to perform. Johnson may have an injury history himself, but he is unquestionably most qualified to assume that three down role.

With Chris Johnson being a part of this roster, it opens up our playbook again. Watch for wildcat formations with Kerwynn, screens with Ellington, and short yardage for Johnson. It also helps to have a vet in their with young kids like Williams and Penny.

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