Dissatisfied with his current stable of running backs, Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians is reportedly bringing in Chris Johnson for a workout.
Always on top of things of this nature, Jay Glazer scooped this story, noting the running back will also be undergoing a physical to see if he’s up for the rigors of an NFL season.
At 29 years old, Johnson is certainly the best free-agent running back still on the market. He had an off year with the New York Jets in 2014 (who didn’t?), finishing with less than 1,000 yards rushing (663) for the first time in his NFL career. The Jets didn’t utilize him as a featured back, but he did make the most of his opportunities, averaging 4.3 yards per carry.
Arizona has been growing increasingly frustrated with the running backs on the roster. Rookie David Johnson, who many have thought would be the answer this year, hasn’t been able to participate much in camp due to a hamstring injury, which is “killing him,” according to Arians, who noted “There’s no way in hell I’m putting him out there,” if he misses camp.
Veteran Andre Ellington has never been able to solidify himself as a go-to guy for the Cardinals, either, and he has also been missing time with a sore hamstring.
Perhaps Johnson can interject life into a Cardinals running game that has failed to provide balance for the team’s potent passing attack. Based on the fact that Arizona is bringing him in for a visit, it seems clear the Cardinals believe he can.