Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals rookie RB Johnson explodes in preseason debut

Published Aug. 23, 2015 1:05 a.m. ET

Ross Jones

Maybe rookie running back David Johnson just needs to face live competition to pull out the best from his game.

The Arizona Cardinals running back ripped off 66 yards on 13 carries, averaging 5.1 yards a carry, during Saturday night's 22-19 preseason loss against the San Diego Chargers. Johnson, who has shown tremendous versatility in the receiving game, caught both of his targets for 15 yards, too.

David Johnson got work with both the first-and second-team offense and ran with a purpose. He displayed patience running behind his blockers and toughness on a 13-yard scamper.

While Andre Ellington is locked in as the No. 1 running back, it was an impressive performance for the third-round pick after the team signed veteran Chris Johnson this past week.

Chris Johnson, though, was inactive with a hamstring injury.

Coach Bruce Arians reportedly said after the game that he expects Chris Johnson to remain out a week or two.