After two days of varying reports about the severity of Cardinals running back David Johnson’s injury, the star back has indeed decided to have surgery on his injured wrist and will be placed on Injured Reserve, meaning he will miss at least eight weeks of the season.
Cardinals' RB David Johnson is having wrist surgery this week and is expected to miss 2-3 months, source tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 12, 2017
Cardinals are placing RB David Johnson on IR, per source, but with the chance to return this season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 12, 2017
Johnson went down with a wrist injury in the second half of the Cardinals’ loss to the Lions in the season opener and did not return to action. While x-rays were negative, the MRI on Monday revealed that enough damage was done to require surgery. For the Cardinals, this means Kerwynn Williams becomes their top back until they sign someone else — if they even do. It was floated out there on Monday that veteran Chris Johnson, who most recently played for the Cardinals, could be an option to fill the gap if Johnson does miss extended time (as we now know he will).
It will be difficult for the Cardinals to replace Johnson’s versatility out of the backfield as a three down back capable as both a receiver and rusher. That will also make him difficult to replace on fantasy teams as he was one of the most productive fantasy players in the league, which led to him being a top overall pick by many. Bears rookie back Tarik Cohen shined in his opener and became a waiver wire star, while Colts back Marlon Mack, Washington back Chris Thompson, and Bills back Mike Tolbert all had solid weeks and may be available as replacements for those needing a quick stopgap player until they can figure out a trade.
