David Johnson bears the RB load for Arizona Cardinals vs. Vikings

The Arizona Cardinals didn't use a whole lot of different personnel on Thursday when they played the Minnesota Vikings. Perhaps it was the short week or perhaps it was the solidifying of a rotation in preparation for the postseason. But in the 67 offensive snaps the Cardinals had, only six skill players outside of quarterback Carson Palmer played more than 10 snaps.

Here is the playing time for each position group:

Quarterback: Carson Palmer, 67

Aside from an injury or a blowout (or in one game, a trick play in which Palmer and Drew Stanton are in the game at the same time), this will always be the case. This game went down to the wire, so no surprise here.

Running back: David Johnson, 54; Stepfan Taylor, 9; Kerwynn Williams, 6

In his second start, Johnson was truly the bell cow, and he probably would have played a few snaps more had he not hurt his leg on his almost touchdown run. He was very effective, so no need to work the other guys. And Williams was not as effective as when he played in Week 13. With Andre Ellington expected to return on Sunday in Philly, expect Williams' snaps to all but disappear.

Wide receiver: Larry Fitzgerald, 65; John Brown, 49; Michael Floyd, 44; J.J. Nelson, 9; Jaron Brown, 8

You can see how the Cardinals rarely used more than three receivers at a time. In other games, you see them go four wide a little more.

Tight end: Darren Fells, 58; Troy Niklas, 24

This is to be expected. Jermaine Gresham was out.

Offensive line: Jared Veldheer, 67; Mike Iupati, 67; Lyle Sendlein, 67; Ted Larsen, 67; Bobby Massie, 67; A.Q. Shipley, 9

Shipley had FB/TE3 duty as he did when Fells was out. On that play near the goalline when Carson Palmer got sacked, Shipley was actually out on a pass route. He was well covered, though.