Cardinals place Chris Johnson, Tyvon Branch on injured reserve

The Arizona Cardinals were upset by the Los Angeles Rams over the weekend, but the game isn’t the only thing they lost.

The Cardinals announced on Tuesday that running back Chris Johnson and safety Tyvon Branch would both be placed on injured reserve (IR) after each suffered groin injuries on Sunday.

One of the two players could return provided they sit out the minimum of eight weeks, but Arizona offered no additional insight into which, if either, that might be. Rather, head coach Bruce Arians remained focused on the players he does have available on the 53-man roster and who will step into those roles.

David Johnson will remain the team’s No. 1 running back, while Andre Ellington now takes over as the primary back-up.

“Andre just takes those snaps,” Arians said. “We’ll continue to keep a good rotation.”

Chris Johnson had gained 95 yards and one touchdown on 25 carries this season, while Branch had collected 23 tackles and two passes defensed.

The Cardinals will take on the San Francisco 49ers in a Week 5 matchup on Thursday Night Football.