Veteran running back Chris Johnson is on a mission to prove to the Arizona Cardinals that it was a mistake to release him
The Arizona Cardinals must’ve had their reasons. Perhaps it was the fumbling by Chris Johnson that got him released by the club. Maybe it was the fact that the running back would soon be turning 32, an age that most playing the position are hitting a wall.
All of that mattered very little when Cardinals’ star David Johnson suffered a severe wrist injury during the season opener. The two to three month prognosis called for a roster move to be made. Right then and there, it was obvious who general manager Steve Keim would be calling.
“CJ2K” barely started getting acclimated to the everyday life of a normal person when he was summoned back to the nest. Any resentment that Johnson may have been carrying for being let go would have to be placed aside. The NFL is a business where personal feelings have no place.
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The former star of the Tennessee Titans had fumbled twice during a preseason contest versus the Atlanta Falcons. Up until that point, Johnson had appeared to be a shoo-in to make the 53-man roster. Despite the miscues, he felt he had done enough to stick around, although head coach Bruce Arians was noncommittal on the subject after the Atlanta game.
With David Johnson being placed on injured reserve (designated for return), Kerwynn Williams was named the starter. But given his chance in the spotlight, the fifth-year back failed to impress. He gained just 22 yards on nine carries (2.4 yards per carry) against the Indianapolis Colts this past weekend.
Chris Johnson, on the other hand, looked fresh and showed some burst in those aging legs. He tallied 44 yards on 11 totes, for a 4.0 yards per carry. The vet clearly outshined Williams, and will receive an increased workload going forward.
Recent rumblings have David Johnson possibly coming back sooner than was first reported. Arizona remaining in contention until that time comes is the goal. Chris Johnson will play a big role in keeping the Cards afloat.