The sudden retirement of last year’s starting running back, Rashard Mendenhall, didn’t throw the Cards’ running game into a brief bout of turmoil. Andre Ellington was calmly promoted to the starter while Stepfan Taylor and Jonathan Dwyer, who was signed in the offseason, were given the chance to battle for the second and third running back spots.
The signing of Robert Hughes has been hailed internally, and it also has given the Cardinals a likely steady back at the fourth spot who can play running back, fullback and tight end, according to Arians.
“It’s a good battle going on,” Arians said. “There’s a ton of talent with Stef and Jonathan. Robert Hughes is an outstanding player.”
Arians made headlines early in the offseason when he said he’d like to give Ellington 25 to 30 carries per game. While many feel that's still too much for a back his size, it at least opens the door that he'll make a fantasy impression this season with not a lot of competition. Ellington led all eligible rushers with 5.53 yards per carry. We rank Ellington 12th among RBs on our PPR list and he's got an ADP of the early 4th round.
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