The Cardinals have lost running back Ryan Williams for the rest of the season with a left shoulder injury. Williams, who injured the shoulder in Arizona’s 17-3 loss to the St. Louis Rams on Thursday, will require season-ending surgery, coach Ken Whisenhunt said Monday. It’s the second straight year Williams has been hurt. He missed all of his rookie year after tearing his patellar tendon in the preseason.
Williams’ injury further depletes an already-thin position. Beanie Wells (turf toe) will be out at least five more games, leaving the Cardinals with LaRod Stephens-Howling, who has missed the past two games with a hip injury, William Powell and Alfonso Smith. Combined, the three players have 15 carries for 10 yards this season.
Whisenhunt said he feels “good about the guys we’ve got,” but added the Cardinals might look for reinforcements at tailback.
It's unlikely Whisenhunt actually feels good about heading into Week 6 with Stephens-Howling, Powell and Smith filling out his RB depth chart. Expect the Cardinals to explore the free agent market, but it wont much matter who's running behind this Cardinals offensive line. Stephens-Howling has fringe PPR value and Powell is worth a flier, but this is likely to be an ugly running game.
On the plus side, the Cardinals host the Bills in Week 6. The Bills are a top 5 matchup for opposing running backs. After Week 6, things get much tougher with matchups against the Vikings, 49ers and Packers.
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