Kingsbury: Chase Edmonds started because David Johnson was on need-based situation

If you started Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson in Week 7, you got a nasty little surprise. Johnson got the first carry of the game, but then Chase Edmonds took over and got all the work the rest of the way. Johnson finished with one carry for two yards, while Edmonds finished with 27 rushes for 126 yards and two touchdowns. Edmonds also caught two passes for 24 yards.

After the game, head coach Kliff Kingsbury said that Johnson was only going to play in a “need-based” situation, according to beat writer Darren Urban. Johnson entered the game having been listed as questionable on the final injury report. He did not practice on Wednesday, and then was listed as limited on Thursday and Friday.

Fantasy football analysis, Cardinals RBs David Johnson/Chase Edmonds

It feels like at least once a year, a clear starter with an injury question is declared active, and then puts up at or near a goose egg in fantasy football. NFL teams have to submit inactives 90 minutes before the game, and they usually release information on changes to the starting lineup. In this case, Johnson did get the start, but then was removed.

Chase Edmonds is worth an add on the fantasy football waiver wire. but it’s guess-work how this backfield will work moving forward. Johnson is the No. 1 guy, but Edmonds looked great. The Cardinals face a tough Saints defense in Week 8 and a really tough 49ers run defense in Week 9. Edmonds is a worthwhile add, but it might be some time before you see consistent returns.