Back so soon? Rashad Johnson may play for Arizona Cardinals Sunday

Rashad Johnson wants to get back on the field for the Arizona Cardinals.

The fifth-year pro, who lost part of the middle finger on his left hand during the team’s 31-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints last week, says he’s getting closer to a return.

“I was able to move around and do everything that I needed to do,” he said Friday.

Johnson noted that there is no pad work on Fridays and there are still things he needs to prove he can do before he’ll play again, but when the time comes he will not be concerned about the finger.

Johnson said he’ll be wearing a cast on the hand, and that when he does play again, he will do so without any hesitation.

“Just going to go out, let it loose and play ball,” he said. “Can’t really go out and play in fear; that’s when you make mistakes and big plays happen.”

Cardinals coach Bruce Arians is not worried about Johnson, either, saying he believes the safety can play in a backup role and on special teams.

“His leadership is something I value and I’d like to have him out there,” he said.

And Johnson would like to be out there. Listed as “questionable” on the official injury report, it appears the 27-year-old may find his way onto the field, at least in some capacity.

Saying his pain is now a “four out of a 10,” Johnson admitted while he wants to play, he has to be smart about things and let the doctors make the decision on whether or not he should.

But when he does play, Johnson is confident the cast will not be much of a hindrance to his game, though he’ll have to “body catch” interceptions.

“And you know, show off my one-handed skills if I have to.”

The Arizona Cardinals Broadcast Department contributed to this report

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