Cardinals release veteran RB Chris Johnson
— -- The Arizona Cardinals have released veteran running back Chris Johnson, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Friday.
As recently as Monday, Johnson, who turns 32 on Sept. 23, remained optimistic that he'd make the Cardinals' 53-man roster, despite two fumbles in Saturday's preseason game against Atlanta.
"I'm getting better and better," Johnson said Monday. "Me running the ball never really has been the problem, but I think I've shown my hands have gotten better, catching the ball better and those types of things. I think I've really done all that I can do."
The team had re-signed Johnson to a third consecutive one-year deal just before the start of training camp in July. He had each of his past two seasons cut short by injury after not missing a game due to injury in his first seven seasons.
He was placed on injured reserve last season?after suffering a groin injury in Week 4 that required surgery. He finished with 95 yards and one touchdown on 25 carries in a backup role behind? David Johnson.
In 2015, Chris Johnson?suffered a fractured tibia in Week 12.
His first six NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans were highlighted by a 2,006-yard season in 2009, when he led the league in rushing, broke the NFL's single-season record for yards from scrimmage (2,509) and was named The Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
The three-time Pro Bowl selection has averaged less than 4.0 yards per carry just twice in his nine seasons.
ESPN's Josh Weinfuss contributed to this report.
Popular Reads
ABC News Live