The Arizona Cardinals are coming off yet another disappointing season that saw them miss the playoffs for the second straight year. A few of their key players were sidelined for much of the year due to injuries, headlined by Pro Bowl running back David Johnson missing all but one game due to a dislocated wrist that required surgery.

Since then, Johnson has progressed quite well in his recovery from the injury with eyes toward being ready for the 2018 campaign. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, new head coach Steve Wilks voiced on Tuesday that Johnson is expected to be medically cleared in time to participate in OTAs next month.

This is encouraging news for the Cardinals, who will potentially have their star running back on the field well ahead of next season.

Johnson has become a key part of their offensive game plan on the field, and his presence should provide a huge source of reliability on that side of the ball.

When healthy, he has proven to be one of the top running backs in the league with his impact as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield.

The 26-year-old is only a season removed from his breakout campaign where he recorded more than 2,000 total yards from scrimmage while finishing seventh with 1,239 rushing yards and second with 16 rushing touchdowns. Johnson also recorded 80 catches for 879 receiving yards and four touchdowns, leading the league in receiving yards for running backs.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)

Owen Crisafulli ·

Gerard Angelo Samillano ·

Mike Johrendt ·

David Johnson, Cardinals
Getty Images

The Cardinals will likely once again lean heavily on him to carry the offensive load alongside All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is still producing at an elite level, coming off his third straight season with at least 100 catches and 1,000 receiving yards.

All of this could pave the way for a major bounce-back year for Johnson in 2018, as he hopes to re-establish himself as one of the premier players in the NFL.