The Facts: The Cardinals placed Johnson on injured-reserve/designated for return Tuesday, two days after Johnson suffered a fractured tibia. The IR/return designation means Johnson must miss a minimum of eight weeks. He'd be eligible to return only if the Cardinals make the Super Bowl.

Diehards Line: Johnson would be eligible to return to practice in six weeks, so if he’s progressing and the Cardinals are still playing the team could try to have him ready for the Super Bowl. His loss is a significant one. Johnson is fourth in the NFL with 814 rushing yards this season and has been a big part of the 9-2 Cardinals’ offense. The injury is also a potentially expensive one for Johnson, 30, who signed with the Cardinals during training camp. He had a $2 million incentive that would have been reached had he run for 1,300 yards and made the Pro Bowl. With Andre Ellington dealing with a toe injury, rookie David Johnson is likely the No. 1 back, at least for now.