Arizona Cardinals: 5 rising stock players

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 17: Jacoby Brissett #7 of the Indianapolis Colts is tackled by Justin Bethel #28, Haason Reddick #43 and Antoine Bethea #41 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 17: Jacoby Brissett #7 of the Indianapolis Colts is tackled by Justin Bethel #28, Haason Reddick #43 and Antoine Bethea #41 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
2 of 6
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 17: Chris Johnson #23 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 17: Chris Johnson #23 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Chris Johnson

Running back Kerwynn Williams got the start.  However Chris Johnson came in and performed better.

This was all after being cut a couple of weeks ago right after the end of the preseason.  He was re-signed after David Johnson went down with an 8-12 week injury.

While Williams carried the ball nine times for 22-yards, Johnson came in and spelled him and actually ended up with more carries.  Johnson carried the ball 11 times for 44-yards.  That’s a four-yard-per-carry average.

Johnson said he was surprised at hearing people thought he had lost a step.  If he has, that didn’t materialize on Sunday.  Johnson was clearly the best back.

Look for Johnson to get the start next week against the Cowboys.  At the very least he may see the bulk of the carries.

This doesn’t mean the Cardinals should feature him as the only back as Williams and Andre Ellington will see the ball as well.  However there is a huge injustice being done if he isn’t getting 20-25 touches next week.

Schedule