Experienced runner needed in Arizona Cardinals backfield
By Jim Koch
Signing an experienced running back to act as insurance for starter David Johnson may be a good idea for the Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals suffered a barrage of injuries in 2017. Perhaps the most crucial one was at the running back position. The dislocated wrist that ended David Johnson’s season was a blow that the Cards’ offense never really recovered from.
At the current time, all that exists behind the Cardinals’ superstar is a bevy of inexperience. Third-year player Elijhaa Penny leads the crew in NFL carries with a whopping 31. D.J. Foster, signed off of the New England Patriots practice squad last year, has just 13 career totes.
Two other backs expected to be in the mix for Arizona have zero professional rushing attempts on their resume. T.J. Logan, a fifth-round draft pick in ’17, had his rookie campaign ended during last summer’s Hall of Fame game. Chase Edmonds joined the squad last month, when general manager Steve Keim drafted the Fordham University product in the fourth round.
There are runners available on the free agent market who’ve been around the block a time or two. Convincing them to come to the desert to be Johnson’s backup is the obstacle. The Cardinals starter is the epitome of a workhorse, so sitting behind him on the depth chart equates to limited touches for whoever accepts the role.
Many Cardinals’ fans were enamored with the idea of a one-two punch of Johnson and Adrian Peterson in 2018. The former Minnesota Vikings legend was let go this past March, however, after being acquired by Keim last October. It’s quite possible that Peterson would not be satisfied with the miniscule amount of work he’d be given with the dynamic Johnson hogging the rock.
Still, the idea of bringing the future Hall of Famer back to the nest is an intriguing one. As difficult as it may be for Peterson to admit, his featured-back days may be history. A reunion could make sense for both parties.
Demarco Murray, who led the league in rushing yards in 2014, was released by the Tennessee Titans this past March. The emergence of Derrick Henry limited the 30-year old’s production last season, and the Titans decided to move on. Murray was still able to tally 925 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns in ’17 despite the cut in playing time.
Alfred Morris, who was voted to two Pro Bowls during his time with the Washington Redskins, has already morphed into backup status. For the past two campaigns, the 29-year old has been the stand-in for Ezekiel Elliott down in Dallas with the Cowboys. Morris proved he can still play in ’17, when he averaged 4.8 yards per carry on 115 carries.
Jamaal Charles was voted to four Pro Bowls when he was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. But a torn ACL suffered in 2015 has taken a toll on the 31-year old’s career. Charles did manage to average a fairly-decent 4.3 yards per carry as a part-time performer with the Denver Broncos last season.
It’s hard to believe that Eddie Lacy is just 27 years old. The Green Bay Packers 2013 second-round pick has had a couple of down years, an indication that his bellcow days may be over. Lacy’s weight has been an issue, but he could possibly find a role with Arizona if he could keep it under control.
Next: Arizona Cardinals fullback position battle
Injecting some experience into the Cardinals backfield may be a good idea. Whether or not it’s even on the team’s itinerary is unknown at this time. Johnson demands a lot of work, so getting a proud veteran to play second-fiddle to the 26-year old could be a tough sell for Keim.