The headache the Cardinals face in trying to replace RB David Johnson is that they, ya know, can’t—not fully, at least. Johnson is among the best, most versatile backs in the NFL, and he serves as an absolute centerpiece in the Arizona offense.
Losing him for two to three months as he undergoes wrist surgery very much puts the Cardinals’ 2017 chances in jeopardy. Even the most optimistic timeline there would leave the already 0–1 Cardinals without their top offensive weapon for eight games.
Making matters worse, starting left tackle D.J. Humphries also left Sunday’s loss to the Lions early and is expected to miss at least another game.