The Cardinals have released RB Chris Johnson. He stumbled his way to 2.5 yards per carry on 45 attempts over the past 4 weeks. The 32-year-old's NFL career is likely over. Johnson's departure paves the way for Adrian Peterson to take over as Arizona's lead early-down back. Andre Ellington will continue to dominate passing-down work.

Cardinals HC Bruce Arians said Thursday that RB Chris Johnson's carries "will likely go up this week." Johnson led the backfield with 11 attempts and 44 rushing yards in the Week 2 win over the Colts -- although he wasn't targeted in the passing game. We'd still try to avoid this backfield in Week 3 fantasy lineups, but Johnson looks like the best bet if you need to dabble.

The Cardinals have signed RB Chris Johnson. The 31-year-old was released at final cuts after a rough preseason. He's now the most experienced back on Arizona's roster, but the fact that Kerwynn Williams was kept instead of Johnson a few weeks ago makes Williams the better fantasy bet. At least for now. With Andre Ellington and potentially Elijhaa Penny also involved, this is quickly becoming a backfield to stay away from.

The Cardinals have released RB Chris Johnson. The 31-year-old signed in mid-July but struggled this preseason, averaging 3.2 yards per carry and fumbling twice. The former 2,000-yard rusher's NFL career is just about over. Johnson's release leaves Kerwynn Williams as the best handcuff to David Johnson, although he's only worth rostering in deep-bench fantasy leagues.

The Cardinals have re-signed RB Chris Johnson to a 1-year deal. Johnson turns 32 in September, missed 12 games last year with a groin injury and averaged just 3.8 yards per carry in the other 4. He's the favorite to earn the #2 spot on Arizona's depth chart, but it'd likely be a committee backfield if David Johnson misses time this year. Chris Johnson is only worth rostering in fantasy leagues with deep benches.

The Cardinals have placed RB Chris Johnson (groin) on IR. It's unclear if he's done for the season or has a chance to return in 8 weeks, but he can be dropped from all fantasy rosters. Johnson had stolen 25 carries from David Johnson through the season's first 4 games. Andre Ellington will step in as Arizona's #2 RB and is worth rostering in deep leagues.

Cardinals RB Chris Johnson hurt his groin in the 4th quarter of Sunday's game against the Rams. He collapsed as soon as the injury happened and was in obvious pain. We'll look for an update on Johnson's status after the game.

Cardinals 2nd-year RB David Johnson's already going in Round 1 of early fantasy drafts. HC Bruce Arians doesn't seem likely to hurt that standing at all. "David's earned the right now to be the bell cow," Arians said this week, per ESPN.com. "Everybody's got to take it from him. But Chris ran for 800 (yards) and probably would have had 1,200 had he stayed healthy. Andre can break the game open." It'll take an injury or a seriously disappointing summer from David Johnson for either of those guys to "take it from him." Ellington broke down in his lone turn as the starter. Chris Johnson will turn 31 in September and has never been a good receiver. All 3 guys have garnered more than two-thirds of the team's rushing workload in their starting turns over the past 3 seasons. So when Arians says "bellcow," he means it. Look for Johnson to come out high in our 2016 projections, with Chris Johnson a decent handcuff and Ellington just a late flier.

The Cardinals re-signed RB Chris Johnson to a 1-year deal. CJ showed last season that he still has some juice left, posting 814 yards on 196 carries (4.2 YPC).  Unfortunately, he broke his leg in Week 12. He also turns 31 in September. The former Titan will need an injury to workhorse David Johnson to gain fantasy relevance.

The Cardinals have placed RB Chris Johnson (leg) on IR-designated-for-return.  He's not eligible to play unless Arizona makes the Super Bowl.  The Cardinals will move forward with RBs David Johnson, Stepfan Taylor and Kerwynn Williams.  RB Andre Ellington is week-to-week with turf toe.

Cardinals insider Mike Jurecki reports that RB Chris Johnson (leg) is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.  That knocks him out for the rest of the regular season and makes him iffy for the playoffs.  With RB Andre Ellington dealing with turf toe, Arizona is left with RBs David Johnson and Stepfan Taylor.  Johnson will lead the way and will be a good bet for 15+ touches per game going forward.  It makes the rookie a RB2 with upside.

Cardinals RB Chris Johnson suffered a fractured tibia in Sunday's game against the Niners, according to FOX's Jay Glazer. He tweeted that Johnson will be "out extended period of time but team still gathering how long this shelves him." We'd bet on Johnson missing at least the rest of the fantasy season. This only boosts the already intriguing stock of rookie RB David Johnson in any fantasy football league that finds him currently available. Add Andre Ellington's turf toe, and we might see the younger Johnson operating as Arizona's feature back over the next 4 weeks. Blow whatever free-agent budget you have left on him.

Cardinals GM Steve Keim described RB Chris Johnson's injury as a "bone bruise" in a Monday radio appearance.  Keim labeled Johnson "day to day," but the team is still waiting for MRI results.  If he avoided any structural damage, there's a chance he could be available for Week 13.  We should learn more later today.  RB David Johnson should be owned in all fantasy leagues in case Chris misses time.

Cardinals RB Chris Johnson injured his knee in the 3rd quarter of Sunday's game against the 49ers.  He headed back to the locker room with trainers and is questionable to return.  Andre Ellington and David Johnson will handle backfield duties for however long Johnson is out.

Cardinals RB Andre Ellington says he's happy with his new, more limited role in the backfield. “Because I’m able to be myself now,” he told the Arizona Republic on Friday. “I’m not dealing with a banged up knee or anything like that. It feels good. It’s been a while since I’ve been feeling this way.” Ellington's not only healthy but also probably in the role that best fits his build and skills. We always thought him overworked as the Cardinals' feature back, and Arizona's offense has run quite well with the current RB split. Ellington added Friday that rookie RB David Johnson will be "special" once he's ready for more work. The new role certainly limits Ellington's fantasy value, though he'll carry weekly big-play upside for deeper leagues in which he makes sense as a low RB2 or flex option. Consider Ellington a committee member going forward as you assess his long-term dynasty value.