Cardinals RB David Johnson: ‘I’m definitely playing’ against Buccaneers
Nov 6, 2019, 2:05 PM | Updated: 9:48 pm
Arizona Cardinals RB David Johnson warms up during the team’s practice Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, in Tempe, Ariz. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)
(Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)
TEMPE, Ariz. — It sounds like Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson is over the injury hump.
Johnson is ready to roll come Sunday when the team travels to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers.
According to the running back, there’s no doubt about it.
“I’m definitely playing, I’m good, I’m ready to go” Johnson said after practice on Wednesday. “I’m 100%, I’m ready to go.
“… I was close [last week] but I was just listening to trainers. They had my best interest and knew what the smart decision was.”
Earlier Wednesday, Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury was asked about what he needed to see from Johnson to give him the green light.
“Just full speed, cuts and comfort level,” Kingsbury said. “I think we’re close, so hopefully we see what we want this week and we’ll get him back out there.”
The return would mark a welcome sight for the Cardinals, who face a Buccaneers team that’s second in the league in yards allowed per carry (3.4) and first in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (78.1).
Not only was Johnson hampered by ankle and back issues, backup running back Chase Edmonds has dealt with a hamstring injury that’s sidelined the RB.
Before exiting after just one carry for two yards against the New York Giants in Week 7, Johnson was a key piece in moving the chains. While he rushed for 298 yards and two scores on 76 carries, Johnson’s biggest contribution has been as a pass catcher.
Through seven games, Johnson’s caught 30 receptions for 315 yards, averaging 10.5 yards per catch, to go along with three touchdowns. He’s third on the team in receiving yards, leads the Cardinals in touchdowns through the air and boasts 205 yards after the catch.
Luckily in both Johnson’s and Edmonds’ absences, the Cardinals went out and acquired former Miami Dolphin Kenyan Drake.
The RB quickly paid dividends for the Cardinals, racking up 110 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries, while adding another 52 yards on four catches.
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