Cardinals' Johnson: 'I'm definitely playing' vs. Buccaneers

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson expects to return from an ankle injury this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"I'm definitely playing. I'm good, I'm ready to go," Johnson told reporters Wednesday.

Johnson added that he's at "100%" and feels fully healthy.

Head coach Kliff Kingsbury was not as confident, however, saying his tailback is "close" to returning but that he wanted to see "full-speed cuts and comfort level" before making a final decision, according to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss.

"Hopefully we see what we want this week and we can get him back out there," Kingsbury said Wednesday, Weinfuss reports.

Johnson picked up the ankle injury prior to Week 7 and missed all but three snaps during the team's 27-21 win over the New York Giants. The fifth-year pro missed the following two games, too.

Chase Edmonds carried the load against the Giants and also earned the start in Week 8, but he went down with a hamstring injury during the latter contest. The Cardinals acquired former Miami Dolphins back Kenyan Drake before the trade deadline.

Drake served as the starter in Week 9 against the San Francisco 49ers and finished with 162 scrimmage yards and a touchdown.

Kingsbury has yet to comment on how the team will distribute backfield snaps when Johnson returns to the fold.

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