NFC West Notes: Cardinals, 49ers, Seahawks

Cardinals

Cardinals RB David Johnson has never had back problems before. But Sunday during Arizona’s win against the Bengals, Johnson’s back locked up in the first half and he had to power through it the rest of the day. Johnson still rushed for 91 yards on 17 carries and caught three passes for 65 yards, so he’s hoping resting on Monday will take care of it. 

“It just randomly did. I’ll have to try to figure out what happened,” Johnson said via Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic. “… It is tough, but I just tried to grind through it, help out the team as much as I could.”

• Cardinals HC Kliff Kingsbury says WR Christian Kirk has made good progress from his ankle injury last week but the team will continue to play it safe with him when deciding if he’ll practice this week. (Darren Urban)
• The Cardinals tried out P Sean Smith on Saturday. (Howard Balzer)

49ers

• According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, the 49ers are one of the teams that make the most sense to potentially trade for Bengals WR A.J. Green if Cincinnati decides to move him, as San Francisco needs a No. 1 wide receiver to solidify its offense. 
• Barnwell writes the potential framework of a deal could include the 49ers sending a first-round pick and second-round pick in 2021 to the Bengals in exchange for Green and Cincinnati’s 2020 2nd-round pick. 
• The 49ers tried out P Brock Miller on Saturday. (Howard Balzer)

Seahawks

The Seahawks have been putting their pass rush together on the fly so far in 2019. The big addition was the trade for DE Jadeveon Clowney, who’s got one sack and a pick-six in four games as he continues to learn the defense. Free-agent addition DE Ezekiel Ansah is also continuing to work back from an offseason shoulder injury and Seattle gets back DL Jarran Reed from a six-game suspension in two weeks. 

“I don’t feel like we’re anywhere near where we’re going to get to,” Seahawks HC Pete Carroll said via Curtis Crabtree of Pro Football Talk. “I think we can be a formidable rush and effect our defense. We’re still working to bring it together. I think the guys did better this week than last week. They were more forceful and more active and more involved. We’ll see how we go. I’m really counting on those guys. I’m feeling better. Game three for them [Ansah and Clowney together]. It’s the third game of the preseason. They’re doing the best they can. The guys have been great attitude-wise, work habits, practice habits. They’ve really done everything they can do with the moments and the opportunities that they’ve had. We’re getting there.”