It goes without saying that there was plenty of hype surrounding Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson going into the 2017 NFL season. Unfortunately, his year was over almost as quickly as it started after suffering a wrist injury in the season opener.

Johnson is now poised to make his comeback this behind a newly-revamped Cardinals team. According to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss, he admits that this has been his toughest year by far.

“It's been rough,” he said. “It's definitely been the toughest year of my football career because I haven't been able to play. I haven't been able to help the team. Been on the sideline watching and really just trying to coach, but it's been definitely the toughest year of my career.”

It is understandable to see why Johnson has been so anxious to get back onto the football field. Following his tremendous 2016 campaign, there was speculation that both he and the Cardinals were poised for big things last season. However, his injury was just the first detour in an otherwise tumultuous year for Arizona.

Fortunately, there is a newfound sense of optimism within the organization amidst his return, along with the changes to the coaching staff. Given Johnson's extensive healing process, he has now been cleared to be a full participant in the team's offseason conditioning program.

There is no doubt that Johnson is one of the premier running backs in the league thanks to his versatile skill set. He now returns to prove that his stellar outing two seasons ago was certainly no fluke.