The Arizona Cardinals have Chris Johnson playing well and he could continue to start over Andre Ellington into Week 6 after the running back returned from an injury. David Johnson and John Brown are solid fantasy sleepers this week and this comes as the Cardinals have signed Dwight Freeney to a contract.
Chris Johnson was signed before the season and he has been one of the best surprises in the league this year. Ellington went down with an injury and Johnson stepped in and took over, giving the Cardinals a consistent rushing attack to go along with a potent passing game. Even though Ellington is back, expect the Cardinals to continue using Johnson as a starter, as he has been very effective, including last week when he had over 100 yards rushing against the Lions.
Johnson had 11 carries last week and Ellington had just three and while those numbers likely will get closer moving forward, expect Johnson to continue getting solid work for the Cardinals. The team has been pleased with how Johnson has performed and according to AZCardinals.com, general manager Steve Keim said that the team "will look at" extending Johnson's contract. This season Johnson has 405 rushing yards and that is the second highest total is the league and Johnson is already close to the total he had all of last season with the Jets.
Ellington is still going to get his touches and since he is a solid receiver out of the backfield, he could be used in those situations more than Johnson for the time being. Ellington has 132 rushing yards in two games this season and he comes in after rushing for 63 yards in his first game back. David Johnson is a solid option in deeper leagues, but his fantasy value will take a hit with Ellington back. John Brown has been steady this season and he is a sleeper in Week 6. Brown is on pace to surpass his numbers from last season and he had 23 catches for 301 yards in five games this season.
The Cardinals defense has added another name, as Pro Football Talk reports that Arizona has signed Dwight Freeney to a contract. The team is dealing with an injury to Alex Okafor and he could be out for up to a month and that led the Cardinals to add some depth up front. According to Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report, Freeney said that he "can't turn it off" when it comes to being an NFL player and now he will be back in action for the Cardinals.
The Cardinals defense will not have to worry about Ben Roethlisberger on Sunday, as the Steelers have ruled out the quarterback for the game. According to Pro Football Talk, Roethlisberger is getting closer to returning, but he is not ready yet and now Michael Vick will get another start for the team. Roethlisberger has missed the last two games and there is a chance he could miss up to two more based on his initial diagnosis for his knee injury.
Check here for more on the Cardinals, Johnson, Johnson and Ellington.
