Carolina Panthers

Cardinals RB David Johnson dealing with sprained toe

Published Jan. 21, 2016 3:49 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Arizona Cardinals' running game has stalled at the end of the season and an injury may be the reason why.

Rookie running back David Johnson was limited in Wednesday's practice and is dealing with a sprained toe, Cardinals coach Bruce Arians told reporters Thursday in advance of Sunday's NFC title game at the Carolina Panters.

Bruce Arians says David Johnson "sprained his toe a little bit" and that's why he is on #AZvsCAR injury report.
— Adam Green (@theAdamGreen) January 21, 2016

The 6-foot-1, 224-pound Johnson is coming off his two worst performances since he was elevated to the starting role at the beginning of December, rushing for a combined 60 yards on 26 carries over the past two games.

The 2.3 yards per carry in that span is a stark contrast to the first three starts for Johnson, who piled up 378 yards and three touchdowns on 70 carries in victories over St. Louis, Minnesota and Philadelphia.

Andre Ellington, who lost the starting job to Chris Johnson when he was injured in the season opener, has not had more than seven carries since Week 1. Chris Johnson broke his leg on Nov. 29 against San Francisco and is not eligible to return unless Arizona advances to the Super Bowl.