On Sunday, Chris Johnson was the No. 1 running back on the Arizona Cardinals' depth chart. Two days later, he was no longer a member of the team.
The Cardinals released Johnson, a 10-year NFL veteran, hours after they announced a trade to acquire running back Adrian Peterson from the New Orleans Saints. We learned Wednesday that Peterson will wear No. 23 in Arizona -- the same number Johnson wore during his time with the Cardinals.
Johnson tweeted the following just hours after he was released.
Lmaooo
— Chris Johnson (@ChrisJohnson28) October 10, 2017
Always believe in GOD bad or good #WELIVIN
— Chris Johnson (@ChrisJohnson28) October 10, 2017
On Wednesday, Johnson appeared to respond to those who believe he was a major reason for the Cardinals' slow start this season, including Sunday's blowout loss at the Philadelphia Eagles.
"I would go back n forth with y’all but if y’all watch the game and y’all feel like I was the root of the problem y’all have to be clueless!!" Johnson tweeted.
I would go back n forth with y’all but if y’all watch the game and y’all feel like I was the root of the problem y’all have to be clueless!!
— Chris Johnson (@ChrisJohnson28) October 11, 2017
Tuesday marked the second time the Cardinals released Johnson this season. They originally released him at the end of the regular season but re-signed him after top running back David Johnson suffered a wrist injury that will keep him out of action until at least November.
The 32-year-old Chris Johnson is one of seven players to rush for at least 2,000 yards in a single season (with the Tennessee Titans in 2009), but he averaged just 2.5 yards per carry in four games this season with the Cardinals.
The Cards signed Peterson to boost a rushing offense that ranks last in the NFL in yards per carry and per game this season.
On Wednesday, Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said he regrets not being able to speak to Johnson in person before he was cut. "I hated the way it happened before I had a chance to talk to him," he said. "I love Chris Johnson. It just didn't work out."
