NFL Notes: Calvin Johnson, Cardinals, Panthers

Calvin Johnson

TMZ Sports asked former Lions WR Calvin Johnson whether he would ever consider returning to the NFL, but he says he’ll never play football again.

“I don’t want to play,” Johnson said.

Johnson added that his fingers are messed up and he “ain’t trying to catch no more footballs.”

Cardinals

In regards to the Cardinals’ backup running back options this year, new HC Steve Wilks stressed that pass protection is a top priority along with the ability to contribute on all three downs.

“You want a guy that’s going to be able to step up, that’s going to be able to give you the same elements from the standpoint of a three-down back that you’re going to be able to use out in space, but most importantly, in pass protection,” Wilks said, via AzCardinals.com. “That’s the key, and those guys are getting that teaching.”

The Cardinals’ backup running back options currently consist of rookie Chase Edmunds, D.J. Foster and T.J. Logan.

Panthers

• Bill Voth says that he’s heard people inside the Panthers’ organization compare the C.J. Anderson signing to the team’s addition of Stephen Davis several years ago.
• Voth explains that while the team could be moving away from the “ground-and-pound” attack, Anderson should still fill a large role in their offensive attack and could prove to be a more impactful signing than even DT Dontari Poe.
• According to Voth, Chris Manhertz is the favorite to be the Panthers No. 2 tight end.
• As for the Supplemental draft, Voth doesn’t see Carolina selecting any of this year’s prospects.
• Voth seems to think the Panthers will “take the training wheels off” WR Curtis Samuel during training camp, but could have him take some days off as a precautionary measure.