David Johnson is starting Sunday's game in St. Louis.

Johnson is starting Sunday's game in St. Louis.

Analysis:

For the second year in a row, the Cardinals are contending with late-season injuries in the backfield, with Chris Johnson (fractured tibia) sidelined for the rest of the regular season and Andre Ellington out Sunday due to turf toe. However, the unit isn't lacking in depth, as 2015 third-round pick David Johnson has been used in certain packages throughout the first 11 contests, turning 35 carries and 19 receptions (on 29 targets) into a rookie-leading eight touchdowns. If he approaches the 25 touches mentioned by head coach Bruce Arians in his first career start, a fruitful outing should be in store against a Rams defense that has surrendered 3.7 YPC and a shade over six catches per game to running backs in 2015.