Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (L) escapes the Green Bay Packers Jake Ryan to run to the 3 yard line in the first quarter of the game at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, December 27, 2015. Photo by Art Foxall/UPI | License Photo

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (R) picks up a first down in the first quarter of the Cardinals-Green Bay Packers game at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on January 16, 2016. Photo by Art Foxall/UPI | License Photo

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson heads to the end zone with a fifty-five yard reception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter the Cardinals-New Orleans Saints game at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, September 13, 2015. The Cardinals defeated the Saints 31-19. Photo by Art Foxall/UPI | License Photo

PHOENIX, April 2 (UPI) -- Its only early April, but antennas raised for fantasy football fans with recent news out of Arizona.

Cardinals coach Bruce Arians told ESPN's Josh Weinfuss Friday that running back David Johnson earned the "bell cow" role in the team's offense next season.


"It's my job to get them the ball enough because they can all do different things," Arians told Weinfuss.

"David's earned the right now to be the bell cow," Arians told Weinfuss. "Everybody's got to take it from him. But Chris ran for 800 (yards) and probably would have had 1,200 had he stayed healthy. Andre can break the game open."

RELATED RB Chris Johnson visits with Miami Dolphins

Arians on David Johnson: "he has a chance to be one of the all-time best" — Kent Somers (@kentsomers) February 24, 2016

Johnson exploded through his opportunity last season for a dynamite Cardinals offense. With injuries to both Chris Johnson and Andre Ellington, the rookie running back ran for 581 yards. Johnson's 442 yards in the final five games of the season were the third most in the league.

Ellington didn't touch the field much in 2015, suffering a strained PCL and turf toe. Chris Johnson ignited early on, rushing for 814 yards before suffering a fractured tibia. Chris Johnson was fourth in NFL rushing yards before going down.

The Cardinals led the NFL with 408.3 yards per game on offense last season. The Cardinals owned the second best passing attack and No. 8 rushing attack.

But it appears Arians has eyes for the emerging Johnson, in his second season.

"He has a chance to be one of the all-time best," Arians told AZCentral Sports' Kent Somers last month.