Arizona Cardinals

Johnson done for season unless Cardinals advance to Super Bowl

Published Dec. 1, 2015 5:32 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Arizona Cardinals will have to reach the Super Bowl for running back Chris Johnson to play again this season.

The Cardinals placed Johnson on the injured-reserve/designated for return list Tuesday, meaning the veteran running back must sit out a minimum of eight weeks. He will be eligible to practice after six weeks.

#AZCardinals put RB Chris Johnson on IR/Return with chip fracture on tibia. If he plays again this season, it would be in the Super Bowl.
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) December 1, 2015

Johnson suffered a fractured tibia in Sunday's 19-13 victory at the San Francisco 49ers, an injury first reported by Jay Glazer of FOX Sports 1.

The league's fourth-leading rusher with 814 yards, Johnson was hurt in the third quarter Sunday. The injury was diagnosed as a chip fracture near the top of the tibia close to the knee.

With backup running back Andre Ellington dealing with a turf-toe injury also sustained in Sunday's matchup, rookie David Johnson is expected to get the start in this weekend's game at the St. Louis Rams.

Arizona (9-2), which holds a three-game lead over Seattle atop the NFC West Division, also promoted running back Kerwynn Williams from the practice squad Tuesday.