Cardinals' Andre Ellington not threatened by addition of David Johnson

The Arizona Cardinals' third-round selection of David Johnson brought a sense of relief to running back Andre Ellington.

If Johnson produces the way the Cardinals are hoping he will, the Northern Iowa product should help shoulder some of the load from Ellington.

"I don't see why not," Ellington said when asked if he would be helped by the addition of Johnson, according to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic. "It allows me to have more rest time, and it should keep the offense upbeat."

During his rookie season in 2013, Ellington averaged 5.53 yards per rush - the most by any NFL player with 100 or more carries. But after assuming the featured back role last season, his per-carry average fell to 3.3 yards. He was also hobbled by foot and hip injuries, and had his season ended by a sports hernia.

Ellington underwent offseason surgery to repair the hernia and is starting to feel like his old self again.

"It's like night and day," he said. "During the season I was limited on some cuts going to the right, pushing off my left foot.

"I'm close to doing a lot of things I've done in the past. Just (this week) I was able to do all my cuts and put a lot more pressure on my foot."

Head coach Bruce Arians said after the draft that Ellington's role won't change this season, but also noted that Johnson's ability to do everything Ellington does will be beneficial in case of injury. If both players can remain healthy, Arizona's offense could be in for a major turnaround.