Chris Johnson's Comeback Player of the Year campaign has hit a snag.
Johnson was diagnosed with a fractured tibia after leaving Sunday's victory in the third quarter, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a source informed of the injury, on NFL Network's Monday edition of Around The NFL.
Fox Sports' Jay Glazer first reported the news.
The Cardinals placed the 30-year-old tailback on the injured reserve/designated for return list on Tuesday. Johnson will be eligible to return for the Super Bowl if the Cardinals advance through the NFC playoffs.
The injury will prevent Johnson from chasing a $2 million incentive that would have triggered with a 1,300-yard season and a trip to the Pro Bowl. He had been on pace for 1,184 rushing yards and 1,268 yards from scrimmage prior to the injury.
Arizona is one of the few teams with the quality depth to withstand such an injury to its leading rusher. The issue is compounded, however, by a turf toe ailment that sent Andre Ellington to the sidelines minutes after Johnson left.
The Cardinals will turn to athletic third-round draft pickDavid Johnson, who became the first player in NFL history to score a touchdown via run, pass and kick return in his first two games -- back in September.
Appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio Tuesday, coach Bruce Arians confirmed that the rookie will be "the lead guy now" and is "more than ready" for the role.
The former Northern Iowa star will be backed up by Stepfan Taylor and Kerwynn Williams until Ellington kicks the turf toe injury.
Although the elder Johnson was the talk of the league while averaging 5.9 yards per carry in October, he managed a paltry 3.0 yards per rush in November. One of the NFC West leader's few concerns has been Johnson's lack of punch in short-yardage situations.
It's quite possible that the younger Johnson will prove to be an upgrade in a withering ground attack.
