One week in and the injuries are already mounting in the NFL. Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans couldn't suit up due to a hamstring injury. Indianapolis Colts WR T.Y. Hilton left Sunday's matchup with a knee injury. Washington Redskins receiver DeSean Jackson appeared to pull a hamstring on the team's first offensive possession and did not return. The same goes for Dallas Cowboys star Dez Bryant. Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson is dealing with a minor injury. The list goes on.
In fantasy football, it's critical to know who the next guy up is. In the case of Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington, the next man up is likely rookie third-rounder David Johnson.
"Injuries are always a story in the NFL, and while we'll need to wait until Monday for official word of severity in most cases, keep an eye on the running back situation for the Arizona Cardinals," ESPN Fantasy analyst Eric Karabell wrote. "Starter Andre Ellington, hardly durable to start with but a RB2 or flex option for many, left Sunday's game with a non-contact knee injury, and it would be a surprise if he suits up the rest of the month. Disappointing veteran Chris Johnson and enticing rookie David Johnson - they are not related, in either a familial sense or, if you watch them play, skills-wise - are next in line, and it's worth noting any NFL starting running back is worth adding in fantasy. My pick is for the rookie, of course, to become an instant flex play. David Johnson, hampered in August with a hamstring injury, received a mere one touch from scrimmage and turned his sort pass in the flat into an electrifying 55-yard touchdown. Chris Johnson, a complete bust for the New York Jets a year ago, stumbled his way to 37 yards on 10 rushes. I say add David Johnson."
Although the veteran Johnson may have more name recognition, his time as a consistent fantasy threat is over. The rookie is the upside play despite his limited workload. With Carson Palmer healthy under center, the Arizona offense looked far more explosive than it did for the majority of last season. Palmer's presence should help the younger Johnson transition quickly into a larger role. Hopefully, Ellington will be back soon though.
