With starting running back Andre Ellington nursing a knee sprain, Cardinals running back Chris Johnson says nothing will change in his preparation, reports ESPN.com.
"I'm always preparing myself like I'm getting 20, 25 touches a game," Johnson said Monday. "With me, [my mindset ] don't change at all. Practice hard every week, study a lot, and just, even though when you're not the starter, you still have to go in there like you're going to have to play. They're still going to need you and knowing that I'm going to have a role on this team, I can't sit there and not prepare like a starter even though I'm not the starter. I got to prepare the same way."
With running backs frequently subject to vicious hits and injuries, Johnson said he's always stays ready to contribute.
"That's always a possibility as a running back," Johnson said. "We get hit every single play. It's probably the most physical position on the team."
In Week 2, the Cardinals will take on the Bears, who surrendered 133 rushing yards to the Packers in Week 1.