Cardinals RB Chris Johnson placed on IR with designation to return

Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson has been placed on injured reserve with designation to return after fracturing his tibia.

Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson has been placed on injured reserve with designation to return after fracturing his tibia, the team announced.

According to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, the Cardinals are still unsure of how much time Johnson is expected to miss. Johnson’s designation keeps him out a minimum of six weeks, with the potential for a return in the Super Bowl should Arizona advance that far. The Cardinals are 9–2 and lead the NFC West.

Both Johnson and fellow Cardinals running back Andre Ellington left Sunday's victory over the 49ers with injuries in the third quarter.

Johnson was listed as the starter ahead of Ellington on Arizona's depth chart, though the two split time in the backfield. The former Tennessee Titan has 784 yards on 184 carries with three touchdowns this season.

Rookie David Johnson and Stepfan Taylor are the other running backs on the Cardinals’ roster.