Practically anytime an NFL player mentions fantasy football, it’s in a derisive tone. That’s understandable, given that most interactions between fantasy owners and players probably aren’t too positive.

Presumably, Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson has heard from upset fantasy owners this fall. He was the consensus No. 1 overall pick, then injures his wrist in the season opener and hasn’t played again. Those fantasy owners should be the furthest thing from Johnson’s mind as he hopes to come back, but it actually sounds like that’s a reason he wants to come back this season.

“That’s what I get most, all day, from everywhere,” Johnson told SI.com. “People say it’s unfortunate for me and for their fantasy team. Hopefully it works out now for both of us.”

That’s kind of refreshing. Sure, many fans watch the NFL because of the majesty of the game or to follow their favorite team, but many also watch because they enjoy fantasy football. Johnson has your back, folks.

Now the question is whether a return is possible. The answer is that nobody knows yet. Cardinals coach Bruce Arians sounded doubtful that Johnson could make it back, but Johnson told SI.com he thinks he can play again this season. It doesn’t matter to him if the Cardinals are out of the playoff race or not, he wants to play.

His cast will come off next Monday, SI.com said, and then doctors should have an idea if he can return. SI.com said the injury is tricky because there are many small bones and ligaments around it, and he won’t be 100 percent, but he might be healthy enough to play.

“We’ll just have to see,” Johnson said. “I’m optimistic.”

This season we’ve seen star after star go down with injuries, including Johnson in Week 1. Johnson was one of the NFL’s best players last season, with 2,118 yards from scrimmage. If he can make it back that would be great news for everyone: the Cardinals, the NFL, and yes, fantasy football owners too.

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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
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