How will the Cardinals replace David Johnson? A chat with Revenge of the Birds

The fantasy world is still in shock from David Johnson’s injury and we’re all reeling trying to figure out how in the blue blazes to replace the number one pick in most every single fantasy draft. To get a fresh perspective—and from someone who actually knows what they’re talking about—I called upon Revenge of the Birds’ editor in chief Seth Cox to breakdown how this injury changes the Cardinals’ offense and some of the fantasy ramifications. Here’s what he had to say:

Q: Who's going to be the Cardinals starting RB? Will they use a committee?

SC: Kerwynn Williams will be the first man up, but you'll see some of Andre Ellington, especially in the passing game, and even some Elijhaa Penny in short yardage situations. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Cardinals bring back Chris Johnson as well, just in case. It will not be one man and adding anyone in fantasy early outside of Kerwynn seems like it would be an exercise in futility. After the Indianapolis game, we may know more, but as bad as they are, maybe not.

Get excited for a running back committee! I’ve talked about adding Williams already today as he seems to be next in line for touches.

Q: Do you see an uptick in usage for Larry Fitz, John Brown & passing game?

Nothing will really change with Larry Fitzgerald, I mean he was targeted 13 times in the game and went for 6 catches and 74 yards. If anything, this may pressure the Cardinals to finally utilize John and Jaron Brown a bit more, as you already lost one bell cow with seemingly no option to replace, now imagine the unspeakable with Fitz. The Cardinals have to start developing and utilizing other pieces. I know that doesn't help in fantasy football, but keep your shares of John, Jaron and J.J. Jermaine Gresham could be a nice option at tight end as well as I have a sneaking suspicion that the Cardinals will be doing a lot of throwing.

Glad I drafted myself Larry Fitz

Q: Any lesser known offensive weapons in Arizona fantasy owners should keep eyes on?

Ellington is known, but may be a slightly forgotten player. In deep leagues, he may be a nice stash piece as he could be the player that benefits the most in the receiving game. As I said above, Gresham is a playable piece now, and as unfortunate as it is, I think Jaron Brown is probably the only Cardinals receiver who will be available in most leagues. David Johnson had nine targets in limited action on Sunday, those will get spread between Ellington and Jaron, I think with John Brown holding steady at about 7-9 targets a game and J.J. Nelson between 5-7 a game.

Andre Ellington is a name that keeps popping up and think he could be an interesting player to keep eyes on as he also has a lot of ability in the passing game.

Q: Was Week 1 Carson Palmer a fluke or do you think this is the beginning of the end for him?

He didn't play enough in the preseason and training camp, so we can't tell for sure. That being said, as someone who had to play Carson in week one due to Jameis being unavailable, after the Colts game, if he is not a big scorer, I don't know if he is even a roster-able option anymore. The Colts defense is atrocious, if Palmer is bad again, it may be time to stick a fork in him.

If Palmer looks bad against a Colts defense that made Jared Goff look good, then it’s time to forget Palmer forever.

What are you doing to replace David Johnson?