Week 2 Player To Watch: Chris Johnson
On August 17, 2015, a few weeks into training camp, the Arizona Cardinals signed the running back formerly known as CJ2K to a 1 year deal. The deal was for $870,000 with no signing bonus, but Johnson could earn up to $2 if he runs for 1,300 yards and makes the pro bowl.
Ha. It really seemed like a joke when I first heard the incentives built into the contract, I mean there’s no way CJ2K is going to suddenly turn into the CJ2K of old simply by being signed as a backup running back for the Carson Palmer led Arizona Cardinals. For one, he’s a backup. Andre Ellington has the starting job locked down; head coach Bruce Arians has been insistent on this fact since May. Secondly, there’s another Johnson that is running behind Andre in 2015: skilled rookie David Johnson. It was no guarantee at the time of this signing that Chris would be second string, especially after David had an impressive debut in week 2 of the preseason.
Arizona Cardinals starting running back Andre Ellington went down last week on a non-contact injury in the 4th quarter. After getting an MRI, it turns out Andre has a sprained PCL and is only expected to be out 1-3 games. Injuries are unfortunate, but an injury for one is an opportunity for another. Ellington’s injury has opened the door for Chris Johnson to resurrect his career and return to his CJ2K form of 2009.