The Arizona Cardinals started the new year in depressing fashion.
Star running back David Johnson was carted to the locker room late in the first quarter of Sunday's game after suffering an apparent left knee injury versus the Los Angeles Rams.
Johnson's knee bent backward in an awkward fashion as Rams defensive end Eugene Sims twisted his body to make a tackle. After the game, coach Bruce Arians told reporters the injury doesn't appear to be serious, saying, "knock on wood."
After setting an NFL record with at least 100 yards from scrimmage in each of his first 15 games, Johnson was hoping to extend the streak through the entire season. He was also seeking to join Marshall Faulk and Roger Craig as the only players in history with 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in a single year.
Cardinals general manager Steve Keim confirmed to FOX sideline reporter Jen Hale that the Week 17 game plan was geared toward helping Johnson reach those goals.
A legitimate candidate for both Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year honors, Johnson became the first player since 2006 MVP LaDainian Tomlinson to reach 2,000 yards from scrimmage while scoring at least 20 touchdowns.
Arizona coaches have been impressed enough with the versatile and freakishly talented Johnson to predict a Hall of Fame bust if he can stay healthy throughout his career. Let's hope the transcendent second-year back has avoided major injury in the final game of a disappointing Cardinals season.
