Can any Cardinals running backs be counted on this year? Not the ones currently on the roster, it seems. That's why the team has apparently considered bringing in Chris Johnson.
Rookie David Johnson has been hurt, and Bruce Arians says the lack of practice time is killing him. Johnson isn't going to have a role early in the season if he can't get healthy for some exhibition games.
Andre Ellington has also been nicked up, which seems to work against Arians' recent statement that he wanted Ellington to get 20 touches per game. No way Ellington will stay healthy for that.
The Cardinals have apparently made a contract offer to Chris Johnson, who is reportedly mulling it. Translation: He wants more money, or an offer from a team that doesn't have a back like Ellington, who will definitely have a sizable role in the offense. When healthy.
None of it sounds good fantasy wise. Chris Johnson signing makes all three backs unappealing in drafts, if that happens. Ideally, Johnson and Ellington will get healthy and share that job, with Johnson getting the inside work (although he is a similar kind of back) and Ellington getting the majority of the touches in the offense. And having the most value, with Johnson being a nice handcuff and sleeper when (if) Ellington is sidelined.
For now, it looks like hands off in early drafts.
--Andy Richardson
