Cardinals coach Bruce Arians wants to add another running back

The Arizona Cardinals released their first depth chart of training camp on Monday with a small surprise at the running back situation.

Atop the depth chart is Andre Ellington, which is no surprise, but below him is what stands out.

Third-round draft pick David Johnson, a projected number two running back, is nowhere near Ellington on the depth chart. Instead he sits fifth, behind Ellington, Kerwynn Williams, Stepfan Taylor and Marion Grice due to his injured hamstring that has kept him out most of camp.

Despite having the potential to be an important part of the Cardinals’ offense this year, Johnson remains unproven as a rookie and needs the practice time to prove himself as a NFL running back.

Johnson isn’t the only running back to be on the shelf though. Ellington has also missed most of camp with hamstring problems leaving the team thin at running back throughout camp to go along with poor play from the guys that have been healthy at the position.

Cardinals’ head coach Bruce Arians’ was on the Bickley & Marotta show on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Monday to discuss the injury situation at running back.

“It’s disappointing that (Ellington) and (Johnson) pulled hamstrings and we may be looking,” Arians said in reference to bringing in a new body at running back. “(Williams) dropped the ball a couple times yesterday, but we trust him. He’s been a proven player for us down the stretch last year and the rest of the guys are finding their roles.

Arians added, “I am not pleased we are missing so much time with the top two guys and we may be looking to bring somebody in.”

Later, in Arians daily media session, he confirmed what he said about looking into picking up another running back earlier on Bickley & Marotta.

“We will search and see what is available, I am just not pleased at where we are at right now at that position,” Arians said.

Arians added that he will talk with Cardinals general Manager Steve Keim after practice to discuss picking up another running back.

As far as what’s out there should the Cardinals decide to bring in another back, there are plenty of veterans to choose from such as Steven Jackson, Shonn Greene, Chris Johnson and Pierre Thomas.

The good news is the Cardinals are at least starting to get healthy at running back with the expected return of Ellington.

Arians said Ellington will return to practice today; hope tomorrow for Weatherspoon and Humphries #CardsCamp

— Craig Grialou (@CraigAZSports) August 10, 2015

There was no timetable given for Johnson’s return and he is considered “iffy” for Saturday’s preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

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