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David Johnson says he’s ‘definitely playing’ in Week 10

Cardinals RB David Johnson says he’ll be back in Week 10. What does this mean for his fantasy value and that of Kenyan Drake? We break it down.

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson celebrates a touchdown catch against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals are fast approaching a good problem to have. Running back David Johnson missed Week 9 with an ankle injury, but told the media on Wednesday he is “definitely playing” and “ready to go” for Week 10, according to beat writer Katherine Fitzgerald. The Cardinals travel to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

This news comes nine days removed from the team’s trade for Miami Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake. The Cardinals added Drake a week ago Monday once it became clear Chase Edmonds would miss time with a hamstring injury. David Johnson was a game-time decision, but ended up inactive. Drake had a monster debut three days after the trade, rushing for 110 yards and leading the team with four receptions for 52 yards.

Fantasy football analysis: Cardinals RBs David Johnson, Kenyan Drake

This is a strong situation for the Cardinals as a football team, but it could create a bit of a quagmire for fantasy owners. It’s not too bad with only two backs, but once Edmonds is healthy, it will get dicier.

The Bucs have been a bit all over the place defending running backs. They have given up the third fewest fantasy points to the position, but they’ve also had some rough outings. They gave up 133 total yards to Chris Carson last week, and have given up two other games in which the opposing running back had two touchdowns. However, other than those three games, they’ve mostly shut backs down. It helps (or hurts) their pass defense is not good, so make of it what you will.

For this weekend, it’s a tough call who to start. I’d lean Johnson if he’s healthy, but after the fast one the Cardinals pulled a couple weeks back, who really knows.