KeeSean

Johnson

Arizona’s 2019 sixth round draft pick was among ten players released Monday, as teams make final cuts by Tuesday afternoon. Johnson flashed some potential in 2019 when he caught 21 of 42 targets for 187 yards and a touchdown. He regressed in 2020, missing time with injuries and COVID-19, and catching just 15 passes in eight games. Johnson, 24, should catch on with a receiver-needy team in the coming days.

Arizona’s second round draft selection in 2019, Isabella has failed to make an impact. The additions of Rondale Moore and A.J. Green this offseason further complicate his path to playing time. He won’t be helped if he misses an extended portion of training camp. Arizona also added C Rodney Hudson, LG Justin Pugh and WR Keesean Johnson to the reserve/COVID-19 list

Johnson started and played 92% of the snaps in the finale with Larry Fitzgerald (groin) hurt. The 2019 seventh-rounder finished his sophomore campaign with a 15-173-0 line on 23 targets after going 21-187-1 as a rookie. Johnson is an end-of-roster type who will always be competing for a job.

Kirk will miss the Cardinals’ must-win Week 17 game against the Rams. To put things mildly, the Cardinals are in a very tough spot on Sunday. Kyler Murray will be playing through a leg injury, DeAndre Hopkins will face star CB Jalen Ramsey, Kirk is out, and both Larry Fitzgerald and Chase Edmonds are game-time decisions. Luckily for Arizona, the Rams won’t have Jared Goff and Cooper Kupp.

Johnson made one of the Cardinals’ two big plays against the Niners. He got open down the middle of the field and caught a 45-yarder from Kyler Murray. Johnson is still playing well behind Christian Kirk, who has a stranglehold on the WR2 role in Arizona.

Johnson and Benjamin are healthy scratches.

That means Johnson has either tested positive for the virus or been in contact with someone who has the virus. He becomes the first Cardinals player to be placed on the COVID-19 list. Missing the first part of the season could further bury Johnson on Arizona’s depth chart. Johnson appeared in 10 games last season and caught 21 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown.

Johnson finishes his rookie year with 21 receptions, 187 yards, and one touchdown on 42 targets. All of this production came in the first half when the Cardinals used more four-WR sets. In the second half, the sixth-rounder was completely erased from the offense, even ending the year on inactive lists. Johnson will be competing for an end of the roster spot this offseason and is unlikely to appear on the fantasy radar in 2020 even if Larry Fitzgerald retires.

Kyler Murray has focused his targets on two teammates in particular since the Cardinals’ Week 12 bye: Christian Kirk (16 targets), Larry Fitzgerald (14), Kenyan Drake (8), Pharow Cooper (7), Damiere Byrd (4), David Johnson (4), Charles Clay (3), Chase Edmonds (2), Andy Isabella (2) and Maxx Williams (1). The Browns-Cardinals’ game total has risen to 49 after opening at 46.5.

Good news is both Byron Murphy (calf) and Kevin Peterson (shoulder) are active after being listed as ‘questionable’ on Friday’s injury report. Safety Jalen Thompson also cleared the league’s concussion protocol mid-week and is cleared to start.