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Cardinals address running back situation ahead of Week 7 vs. Packers

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated Oct 18, 2025 7:12 PM ET

GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals running back room has become very shallow in record time. After losing James Conner and Trey Benson for an extended period of time, Arizona will be without third-string running back Emari Demercado for Week 7 vs. the Green Bay Packers. The Cardinals only had two healthy half backs on the roster in Bam Knight and Michael Carter.

The team addressed this issue on Saturday, by elevating D’Ernest Johnson from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.

Johnson career up to Sunday’s game:

The 29-year-old running back went undrafted in 2019, but has gone on to have an extended NFL career. Johnson spent four years with the Cleveland Browns, only starting two games during that span. In 2021, he would have his best year rushing for 534 yards and reaching the end zone three times.

After his stint in Cleveland, Johnson would sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars and spent the past two seasons with the team. He was used more as a receiving back with Jacksonville, before not being resigned after the 2024 season.

Johnson would play with the Baltimore Ravens in this year’s preseason, but didn’t make the cut for the 53-man roster. The Cardinals signed Johnson on September, 29th, just before Benson was placed on injury reserve for a knee injury.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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