Arizona Cardinals starting running back Chris Johnson has been placed on short-term IR and is only eligible to return this season if the Cardinals make it to the Super Bowl. Backup running back Andre Ellington is dealing with a severe case of turf toe, a notoriously nagging injury for ball-carriers. That leaves rookie David Johnson as the healthiest option on the roster and the likely candidate to assume the starting duties.
For fantasy football owners, he's the handcuff you want to own right now. He could see a lot of work in the short term.
"Johnson tops this list [of free agent finds] because he might be needed right away, as both Chris Johnson and Andre Ellington left Arizona's Week 12 win over San Francisco with injuries," ESPN Staff Writer Field Yates wrote. "Chris Johnson has a broken tibia, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, while the timetable on Ellington's return is less clear. David Johnson, a talented third-rounder in the 2015 NFL draft, would likely see a significant role if Ellington sits in Week 13."
Johnson showcased his playmaking skills early in the season when he scored six total touchdowns in his first five games. However, CJ2K's reemergence and Ellington's improved health pushed the rookie to third on the depth chart where he has languished ever since.
For the season, Johnson has carried the ball 35 times for 139 yards (4.0) and four rushing touchdowns. He's also caught 19 passes for 241 yards and 3 additional scores. Given Arizona's offensive tendencies, Johnson could see a huge increase in production should he become the starter.
Arizona ranks 11th in the league in rushing attempts (309) and Ellington and C. Johnson have combined for 34 targets in the passing game. With an increased workload, Johnson's nose for the endzone could become a major factor for the NFL's highest-scoring offense (32.3 points per game).
He's worth picking up in all league formats, especially if Ellington misses time.
