AP

Chris Johnson’s career prospects didn’t look like all that promising this offseason when he was recovering from a gunshot to the shoulder after a mediocre 2014 season with the Jets, but he landed with the Cardinals in August and got a chance to run as the team’s lead back when Andre Ellington hurt his knee in the season opener.

Johnson’s made the most of it. He’s gained 182 yards on 42 carries the last two weeks and scored two touchdowns in last week’s rout of the 49ers. That production has earned Johnson an extended look as the starter.

Coach Bruce Arians said Friday that Johnson will remain the team’s starter against the Rams this Sunday even if Ellington returns to the lineup. Arians said Ellington is a game-time decision and Josina Anderson of ESPN reported that the back is expected to play this weekend.

After two weeks off, it’s not surprising that Ellington would come in off the bench. If Johnson continues to play well and the Cardinals keep cruising to wins, it also wouldn’t be surprising to see that arrangement remain in place beyond this week.