Who wins the starting RB job in Arizona? (1 Viewer)

[donkshow]

I'm going with Mendenhall.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld update:

Rashard Mendenhall has "clearly" been the No. 1 running back at Cardinals OTAs and minicamp.
No surprise. Mendenhall's previous relationship with Bruce Arians from their Steelers days coupled with his first-round skill set makes him the logical leader. Ryan Williams needs to prove his health and rookies Stepfan Taylor/Andre Ellington will try to make up ground in training camp. There's some sleeper appeal in Mendenhall, who is now roughly 17 months removed from his ACL tear.

Related: Andre Ellington, Stepfan Taylor, Ryan Williams

Source: Mike Jurecki on Twitter

 

[Sabertooth]

Ryan Williams was cut in both my dynasty leagues in the past few days. I had to find space for him. He hasn't really gotten his chance because of the injuries. He was a higher draft pick in his class which went:

2011 1 1 28 28 Mark Ingram Saints Alabama 2 2 6 38 Ryan Williams Cardinals Virginia Tech 3 2 24 56 Shane Vereen Patriots California 4 2 25 57 Mikel Leshoure Lions Illinois 5 2 30 62 Daniel Thomas Dolphins Kansas State 6 3 7 71 Demarco Murray Cowboys Oklahoma 7 3 9 73 Stevan Ridley Patriots Louisiana State

Comparatively not a bad class. Three NFL starters went after him. Considering this year's class went:

2013 1 2 5 37 Giovani Bernard Bengals North Carolina 2 2 16 48 Le'Veon Bell Steelers Michigan State 3 2 26 58 Montee Ball Broncos Wisconsin 4 2 29 61 Eddie Lacy Packers Alabama 5 2 30 62 Christine Michael Seahawks Texas A&M 6 3 34 96 Knile Davis Chiefs Arkansas All things being equal, he would have perhaps gone right after Bernard. Like I said, he's still unproven after some injuries. #### happens. As a tail end of the roster dynasty player you have to like his upside.

 

[cstu]

Ryan Williams was cut in both my dynasty leagues in the past few days.

That's crazy considering he's just turned 23. Still plenty of time for him to prove he can stay healthy and he'll be a 25 yo FA in 2015.

 

[Faust]

Ryan Williams was cut in both my dynasty leagues in the past few days. I had to find space for him. He hasn't really gotten his chance because of the injuries. He was a higher draft pick in his class which went:

2011 1 1 28 28 Mark Ingram Saints Alabama 2 2 6 38 Ryan Williams Cardinals Virginia Tech 3 2 24 56 Shane Vereen Patriots California 4 2 25 57 Mikel Leshoure Lions Illinois 5 2 30 62 Daniel Thomas Dolphins Kansas State 6 3 7 71 Demarco Murray Cowboys Oklahoma 7 3 9 73 Stevan Ridley PatriotsLouisiana State

Comparatively not a bad class. Three NFL starters went after him. Considering this year's class went:

2013 1 2 5 37 Giovani Bernard Bengals North Carolina 2 2 16 48 Le'Veon Bell Steelers Michigan State 3 2 26 58 Montee Ball Broncos Wisconsin 4 2 29 61 Eddie Lacy Packers Alabama 5 2 30 62 Christine Michael Seahawks Texas A&M 6 3 34 96 Knile Davis Chiefs ArkansasAll things being equal, he would have perhaps gone right after Bernard. Like I said, he's still unproven after some injuries. #### happens. As a tail end of the roster dynasty player you have to like his upside.

Who did you drop to make space for him?

 

[Sabertooth]

Zachary Ertz (i own Kelce eifert and gronk) in one league and Robert turbin (I own Michael but no Marshawn) other.

 

[Sabertooth]

Ryan Williams was cut in both my dynasty leagues in the past few days.

That's crazy considering he's just turned 23. Still plenty of time for him to prove he can stay healthy and he'll be a 25 yo FA in 2015.

i agree. It was the same owner in both leagues and I think he just wanted a new toy.

 

[Sabertooth]

Fwiw he dropped him for Jeremy Kerley in one (12 team superflex) lleague and Reuben Randle in the other 10 team 2qb

 

[Banemorth]

I'd take Randle over Williams too. Kerley... not so much.

 

[Sabertooth]

I think there is a chance. This isn't a very good group. I'd rate it near the bottom of the NFL actually.

 

[biju]

I think there is a chance. This isn't a very good group. I'd rate it near the bottom of the NFL actually.

Agreed. I have Williams and Taylor and think I have a decent shot at an end-of-the-year starter. I still don't have confidence in Mendenhall, but still expect to be wrong.

 

[Sabertooth]

I'd put it 45% Mendenhall, 30% Williams, 15%Taylor, 10 Ellington. Something like that as the odds of one guy really grabbing the reigns.

 

[bagger]

Both will go higher than their production. Stay away.

 

[ShaHBucks]

Bad schedule for rb's, weak O-Line, declining QB... I wouldn't get excited over marginal-bad talent like Ellington/Taylor for those reasons. I thought Williams looked good at times last year if not for the O-Line. He's been hurt since college. Even if he takes Mendenhalls spot he will be neutralized by the schedule.

Ellington is a 5'9+ 199 pound 4.6+ runner. Lets be real. http://mockdraftable.com/player/4063/

Talor has no upside. He took a lot of carries in college and already has miles on him. If Mendenhall is hurt, Williams is better. If Williams and Mendenhall gets hurt, he has a rough schedule, bad line and a limited athleticism. http://mockdraftable.com/player/4262/ he's the kind of player that gets you 30-50 yards with 10-15+ carries. Nice college stat compiler, but he has NFL bust written all over him.

I love Mendenhall but even he has low RB2- high RB3 value for 2013.

 

[az_prof]

I'd put it 45% Mendenhall, 30% Williams, 15%Taylor, 10 Ellington. Something like that as the odds of one guy really grabbing the reigns.

That seems about right. We'll have a better idea after a few preseason games.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

There was only ever one guy in the race:

A report out of Phoenix last week noted that free-agent acquisition Rashard Mendenhall had already established himself as the No. 1 running back for the Arizona Cardinals, separating from Ryan Williams.

Appearing on NFL Network's "NFL AM" Wednesday, head coach Bruce Arians confirmed "there's no doubt" that Mendenhall would be the featured back if the season started today.

"Reshard is just 25 years old (turns 26 on Wednesday)," Arians said. "He took me personally to a Super Bowl, and I know what he can bring to the table as a runner and a pass protector and also a receiver. He's an every-down player. And I think he's looking forward to having an outstanding season."

Although Mendenhall's early 2012 knee surgery led to a bout with Achilles tendinitis last season, Arians assures that it's no longer issue and "he's ready to go."

The takeaway here is that Arians is shying away from a timeshare in his backfield. After touting Mendenhall in March as a "big back who never has to come out of the game," Arians is now making it clear that the former Steelers first-rounder is a three-down running back.

Barring an injury to Mendenhall, Williams appears to be in line for a change-of-pace role. Rookies Andre Ellington and Stepfan Taylor figure to be brought along slowly, only to be used in case of emergency.

 

[Black]

I thought Arians was also big on Ry Williams when he came out of VA Tech. Also, why sign Mendenhall to just a 1 year deal?

 

[EBF]

I thought Arians was also big on Ry Williams when he came out of VA Tech. Also, why sign Mendenhall to just a 1 year deal?

Could be that one year is all Mendenhall was willing to sign for. I know that Dustin Keller had the option of signing a longer contract with Miami, but opted for a one year deal in hopes of repairing his value and getting more money 12 months later. I don't know if Mendenhall did the same thing, but it makes some intuitive sense that he wouldn't want to sign a long term deal based on where his value was after the worst season of his career. If he comes out and rushes for 1100-1200 yards again this year, he will have a lot more leverage when he hits the market.

 

[Sabertooth]

Ok, maybe the better question is who gets the job after Mendenhall loses it via fumbling or injury?

 

[EBF]

There was only ever one guy in the race:

A report out of Phoenix last week noted that free-agent acquisition Rashard Mendenhall had already established himself as the No. 1 running back for the Arizona Cardinals, separating from Ryan Williams.

Appearing on NFL Network's "NFL AM" Wednesday, head coach Bruce Arians confirmed "there's no doubt" that Mendenhall would be the featured back if the season started today.

"Reshard is just 25 years old (turns 26 on Wednesday)," Arians said. "He took me personally to a Super Bowl, and I know what he can bring to the table as a runner and a pass protector and also a receiver. He's an every-down player. And I think he's looking forward to having an outstanding season."

Although Mendenhall's early 2012 knee surgery led to a bout with Achilles tendinitis last season, Arians assures that it's no longer issue and "he's ready to go."

The takeaway here is that Arians is shying away from a timeshare in his backfield. After touting Mendenhall in March as a "big back who never has to come out of the game," Arians is now making it clear that the former Steelers first-rounder is a three-down running back.

Barring an injury to Mendenhall, Williams appears to be in line for a change-of-pace role. Rookies Andre Ellington and Stepfan Taylor figure to be brought along slowly, only to be used in case of emergency.

I think Mendenhall is the best talent on the roster and the clear favorite to start, but if I'm not mistaken Stepfan Taylor has missed the vast majority of offseason practices thus far because he can't get out of his school obligations yet. I think he will be an interesting wild card here. I don't expect him to supplant Mendenhall, but he's at least a strong contender for the backup role.

 

[DoubleG]

Ok, maybe the better question is who gets the job after Mendenhall loses it via fumbling or injury?

Sorry to burst your hate bubble, but prior to last season when he tore his ACL he played in 15, 16 and 16 games the previous 3 seasons.

In terms of ball security, you may be surprised (disappointed?) to find out that from 2010-2012, Mendy's fumble rate was less than 1%. That was 6 fumbles in over 650 touches. There are quite a few starting NFL RBs with higher rates - if you'd like to actually see stats, here:

http://nflmanniac.blogspot.com/2013/02/nfl-running-back-ball-security-fumble.html

Williams owner, I take it?

 

[Bri]

Ok, maybe the better question is who gets the job after Mendenhall loses it via fumbling or injury?

Sorry to burst your hate bubble, but prior to last season when he tore his ACL he played in 15, 16 and 16 games the previous 3 seasons.

And 4 the year before that.

 

[Sabertooth]

Ok, maybe the better question is who gets the job after Mendenhall loses it via fumbling or injury?

Sorry to burst your hate bubble, but prior to last season when he tore his ACL he played in 15, 16 and 16 games the previous 3 seasons.

In terms of ball security, you may be surprised (disappointed?) to find out that from 2010-2012, Mendy's fumble rate was less than 1%. That was 6 fumbles in over 650 touches. There are quite a few starting NFL RBs with higher rates - if you'd like to actually see stats, here:

http://nflmanniac.blogspot.com/2013/02/nfl-running-back-ball-security-fumble.html

Williams owner, I take it?

Weird that the Steelers would just let him walk. Color me convinced.

 

[Bri]

Mendenhall has been quite unspecial. The Steelers praise mimics the board here as people here used to love the guy's prospects too, then soured.

He's had some good games against the Ravens who have been curiously average defense since Ray got old. Otherwise, he beat up on bad teams like Cleveland and Cincy. He's been in the NFL for five years and I don't know that he's ever had 100 yards against a good D.

Someone else can look up situational stats too, but it seems to me when the offense gets a little flavor to it he stinks. If an OC puts in 3 WRs or 2 TEs or any set other than traditional and Mendenhall is like ut of the loop." I don't know if the Steelers didn't have confidence in him and Arians clearly does now. That's significant, no doubt, but there's a whole lot of areas for a five year player to improve that he shouldn't have to.

If we are going to roll with calling him a good RB, then fine he is good, but so far he hasn't looked special outside of Cle Cin games.

 

[Sabertooth]

He'll be fine in that division. Lots of weakling defenses to beat up on. Not.

Actually the division is one reason I am cool on the whole resurgence of the Cardinals. They have a long way to go against some very good teams. But you know what, the best team will rise. It wasn't 4 years ago that the NFC West was the weakest division in the NFL. Things change quickly.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Games with 100+ yards from scrimmage:

2009 SDG 1912009 DEN 1642010 NYJ 1532011 STL 1512010 BUF 1512011 JAX 1462010 TAM 1432010 ATL 1352010 CIN 1302009 MIA 1202009 BAL 1172009 KAN 1162009 GNB 1112009 OAK 1032012 PHI 101So far in his career he was good behind a decent line, average behind a poor line and below average behind a terrible line.

 

[jurb26]

Games with 100+ yards from scrimmage:

2009 SDG 1912009 DEN 1642010 NYJ 1532011 STL 1512010 BUF 1512011 JAX 1462010 TAM 1432010 ATL 1352010 CIN 1302009 MIA 1202009 BAL 1172009 KAN 1162009 GNB 1112009 OAK 1032012 PHI 101So far in his career he was good behind a decent line, average behind a poor line and below average behind a terrible line.

And Arz has a terrible line from what we can tell right now.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Exactly. That's why he's projected to be RB25 instead of RB10.

 

[DoubleG]

Ok, maybe the better question is who gets the job after Mendenhall loses it via fumbling or injury?

Sorry to burst your hate bubble, but prior to last season when he tore his ACL he played in 15, 16 and 16 games the previous 3 seasons.

In terms of ball security, you may be surprised (disappointed?) to find out that from 2010-2012, Mendy's fumble rate was less than 1%. That was 6 fumbles in over 650 touches. There are quite a few starting NFL RBs with higher rates - if you'd like to actually see stats, here:

http://nflmanniac.blogspot.com/2013/02/nfl-running-back-ball-security-fumble.html

Williams owner, I take it?

Weird that the Steelers would just let him walk. Color me convinced.

Excellent point. No NFL RB has ever been successful after leaving the team that drafted him. Color me convinced.

 

[Bri]

Games with 100+ yards from scrimmage:

2009 SDG 1912009 DEN 1642010 NYJ 1532011 STL 1512010 BUF 1512011 JAX 1462010 TAM 1432010 ATL 1352010 CIN 1302009 MIA 1202009 BAL 1172009 KAN 1162009 GNB 1112009 OAK 1032012 PHI 101So far in his career he was good behind a decent line, average behind a poor line and below average behind a terrible line.

used yards from scrimmage and playoff games because rushing yards wasn't sufficient; that's telling of a player's success right there

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Games with 100+ yards from scrimmage:

2009 SDG 1912009 DEN 1642010 NYJ 1532011 STL 1512010 BUF 1512011 JAX 1462010 TAM 1432010 ATL 1352010 CIN 1302009 MIA 1202009 BAL 1172009 KAN 1162009 GNB 1112009 OAK 1032012 PHI 101So far in his career he was good behind a decent line, average behind a poor line and below average behind a terrible line.

used yards from scrimmage and playoff games because rushing yards wasn't sufficient; that's telling of a player's success right there

There are only a handful that it makes a difference for. Arians doesn't throw to his backs.

And how would excluding playoff games (you know, games against teams good enough to make the playoffs) prove your point about him only doing it against bad teams? I'm not following your logic.

 

[Bri]

Games with 100+ yards from scrimmage:

2009 SDG 1912009 DEN 1642010 NYJ 1532011 STL 1512010 BUF 1512011 JAX 1462010 TAM 1432010 ATL 1352010 CIN 1302009 MIA 1202009 BAL 1172009 KAN 1162009 GNB 1112009 OAK 1032012 PHI 101So far in his career he was good behind a decent line, average behind a poor line and below average behind a terrible line.

used yards from scrimmage and playoff games because rushing yards wasn't sufficient; that's telling of a player's success right there

There are only a handful that it makes a difference for. Arians doesn't throw to his backs.

And how would excluding playoff games (you know, games against teams good enough to make the playoffs) prove your point about him only doing it against bad teams? I'm not following your logic.

Right. They don't throw to backs but you added receiving yardage.

It's unnecessary. Dealing in extreme absolutes over a five year period doesn't do us much good in discussion.

There's not many good teams on that list.

 

[Eminence]

Games with 100+ yards from scrimmage:

2009 SDG 1912009 DEN 1642010 NYJ 1532011 STL 1512010 BUF 1512011 JAX 1462010 TAM 1432010 ATL 1352010 CIN 1302009 MIA 1202009 BAL 1172009 KAN 1162009 GNB 1112009 OAK 1032012 PHI 101So far in his career he was good behind a decent line, average behind a poor line and below average behind a terrible line.

used yards from scrimmage and playoff games because rushing yards wasn't sufficient; that's telling of a player's success right there

There are only a handful that it makes a difference for. Arians doesn't throw to his backs.

And how would excluding playoff games (you know, games against teams good enough to make the playoffs) prove your point about him only doing it against bad teams? I'm not following your logic.

Right. They don't throw to backs but you added receiving yardage.

It's unnecessary. Dealing in extreme absolutes over a five year period doesn't do us much good in discussion.

There's not many good teams on that list.

Wasn't Arians his OC coordinator for a few of those games on the list?

 

[Faust]

There was only ever one guy in the race:

A report out of Phoenix last week noted that free-agent acquisition Rashard Mendenhall had already established himself as the No. 1 running back for the Arizona Cardinals, separating from Ryan Williams.

Appearing on NFL Network's "NFL AM" Wednesday, head coach Bruce Arians confirmed "there's no doubt" that Mendenhall would be the featured back if the season started today.

"Reshard is just 25 years old (turns 26 on Wednesday)," Arians said. "He took me personally to a Super Bowl, and I know what he can bring to the table as a runner and a pass protector and also a receiver. He's an every-down player. And I think he's looking forward to having an outstanding season."

Although Mendenhall's early 2012 knee surgery led to a bout with Achilles tendinitis last season, Arians assures that it's no longer issue and "he's ready to go."

The takeaway here is that Arians is shying away from a timeshare in his backfield. After touting Mendenhall in March as a "big back who never has to come out of the game," Arians is now making it clear that the former Steelers first-rounder is a three-down running back.

Barring an injury to Mendenhall, Williams appears to be in line for a change-of-pace role. Rookies Andre Ellington and Stepfan Taylor figure to be brought along slowly, only to be used in case of emergency.

I think Mendenhall is the best talent on the roster and the clear favorite to start, but if I'm not mistaken Stepfan Taylor has missed the vast majority of offseason practices thus far because he can't get out of his school obligations yet. I think he will be an interesting wild card here. I don't expect him to supplant Mendenhall, but he's at least a strong contender for the backup role.

Rotoworld:

Cardinals rookie RB Stepfan Taylor worked with position coach Stump Mitchell this week after missing OTAs and mandatory minicamp because of the NFL's graduation rule.
"Being the running back with us the primary thing (Taylor) has to know is his protections," Mitchell said. "His running skills and his ability to catch all of those things are natural as (a) running back." Taylor, who graduated last week, will vie to make the club as a reserve. With starter Rashard Mendenhall and third-year pro Ryan Williams each having recent injury issues, the rookie from Stanford might be worth monitoring during training camp.

Related: Rashard Mendenhall, Ryan Williams, Andre Ellington

Source: AzCardinals.com

 

[biju]

Ok, we're past week 3 and here's the update:

- Mendenhall felt "looseness" in his knee--the same one he had repaired

- Ryan Williams has only played a handful of snaps and may not be fully healthy. He certainly wouldn't have played if the coach didn't speak up about it.

- Stepfan Taylor has been active but seen limited touches and I don't think any with the 1st team. He's looked serviceable, although probably not the long term answer.

- Andre Ellington has looked good, albeit against players that likely won't be on an NFL roster week 1

I'm starting to think the Cardinals might take a look at Michael Turner.

Anyone with a better bead on the current 4 RBs on the roster?

 

[dahabi]

Ok, we're past week 3 and here's the update:

- Mendenhall felt "looseness" in his knee--the same one he had repaired

- Ryan Williams has only played a handful of snaps and may not be fully healthy. He certainly wouldn't have played if the coach didn't speak up about it.

- Stepfan Taylor has been active but seen limited touches and I don't think any with the 1st team. He's looked serviceable, although probably not the long term answer.

- Andre Ellington has looked good, albeit against players that likely won't be on an NFL roster week 1

I'm starting to think the Cardinals might take a look at Michael Turner.

Anyone with a better bead on the current 4 RBs on the roster?

Alfonso Smith?

 

[EBF]

If Mendy is down, they're up a creek. Williams can't stay on the field and the other guys haven't shown much.

I'll be avoiding this situation if Mendenhall is out.

I don't think a street free agent is the answer at this point. There's a reason why Turner is still unemployed.

They could look into a trade, but Seattle is probably the most RB-rich team in the league right now and I don't see them helping a division rival.

 

[Sabertooth]

I just pre emptively added Williams in a few leagues to my last roster spot. I grabbed Taylor in one as well. I hope one of them jumps into this role but in all reality I don't think you'll see much. Crazier things have happened though.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Do not discount OG-Cooper leaving with a broken leg last night, the entire AZ offense is going to be hard pressed to find a lot of room to run, expect a lot fo Carson Palmer and since the Tackles are suspect as well, short passing game, lot of short slants to Fitz much like Owens was running in Cinci back in 2008/2009?

I would avoid all AZ Rbs at this point.

7th overall pick in the draft done for the season, may never be the same again, gruesome injury.

 

[Biabreakable]

Why Saber? Williams is damaged goods.

The title of this pole is fine but the voting options are out of date. Sometimes I really wish some of these discussions were not so scattered and could be consolidated or at least linked together for people looking for more information.

With the Cooper injury the Cardinals are moving backwards as a blocking unit. That is unfortunate. I wonder if Massie could play guard?

 

[Bob Magaw]

Ok, we're past week 3 and here's the update:

- Mendenhall felt "looseness" in his knee--the same one he had repaired

- Ryan Williams has only played a handful of snaps and may not be fully healthy. He certainly wouldn't have played if the coach didn't speak up about it.

- Stepfan Taylor has been active but seen limited touches and I don't think any with the 1st team. He's looked serviceable, although probably not the long term answer.

- Andre Ellington has looked good, albeit against players that likely won't be on an NFL roster week 1

I'm starting to think the Cardinals might take a look at Michael Turner.

Anyone with a better bead on the current 4 RBs on the roster?

turner looked pretty done last year.

not to say another free agent might not be in order, not sure who else is out there.

we are close to successive cut down dates, so maybe a better RB than is available now could shake loose from one of the 31 other rosters... also, some teams prefer to sign free agents after the season starts, so they don't have to guarantee contracts (though disadvantage they will need crash course to get up to speed in-season on offense)...

 

[Man of Zen]

If Mendy is down, they're up a creek. Williams can't stay on the field and the other guys haven't shown much.

I'll be avoiding this situation if Mendenhall is out.

I don't think a street free agent is the answer at this point. There's a reason why Turner is still unemployed.

They could look into a trade, but Seattle is probably the most RB-rich team in the league right now and I don't see them helping a division rival.

Whole lot of guys about to get cut loose. I assume they'll do nothing until they see who surfaces. Any even remotely-decent RB who does get cut loose is going to have his agent on the phone to ARZ within about a half a minute of uttering the words, "thanks for the opportunity."

 

[Eminence]

I acquired Ryan Williams for peanuts, so Mendenhall going down doesn't bother me. They say it's a knee issue which is definitely not a good thing, he was having trouble playing on it last year too.

I like both Rookies if Mendenhall doesn't work out and Arians drafting two Running Backs is very telling. I am personally a big fan of Ellington, if you haven't seen the guy run you should check him out; he's swift. If he were to gain some mass, I think there's a place for him in the NFL.

I'd like to see him add a little more burst to his game too though.

 

[Somebody]

If McGahee is healthy he could be a good fit.

 

[az_prof]

I think Williams is all but done. If Mendenhall is hurt, as he appears, I think the competition for the most carries is between Taylor and Smith. Ellington has been hurt himself and not gotten alot of work and is last on depth chart. Smith and Taylor have been getting the most work and both are better built to be used on multiple downs.

 

[donkshow]

Taylor or sign McGahee.

 

[Shutout]

This will all work Itself out next year when Ben Tate is the starting RB there.

For this year, Taylor is probably going to be the main benefactor because no one in front of him is going to stay healthy.

 

[SameSongNDance]

My money is on Taylor as well if Mendy's injury is at all serious. He's not terribly exciting but at least he has a set of knees.

 

[Sabertooth]

Why Saber? Williams is damaged goods.

The title of this pole is fine but the voting options are out of date. Sometimes I really wish some of these discussions were not so scattered and could be consolidated or at least linked together for people looking for more information.

With the Cooper injury the Cardinals are moving backwards as a blocking unit. That is unfortunate. I wonder if Massie could play guard?

show me a running back who has never been injured. Damaged goods? He's like 23

 

[DoubleG]

Why Saber? Williams is damaged goods.

The title of this pole is fine but the voting options are out of date. Sometimes I really wish some of these discussions were not so scattered and could be consolidated or at least linked together for people looking for more information.

With the Cooper injury the Cardinals are moving backwards as a blocking unit. That is unfortunate. I wonder if Massie could play guard?

show me a running back who has never been injured. Damaged goods? He's like 23

...and about to be either traded or cut:

(per Rotoworld)

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reports the Cardinals have placed Ryan Williams on the trade block.
It's an indication Williams is not in the Cards' 2013 plans, and will be waived at final cuts if no taker is found. Williams is likely available for a seventh-round pick. Still only 23 years old, Williams has been beset by various injuries going back to his redshirt freshman year at Virginia Tech. He was a big-time talent before the array of ailments, and was drafted 38th overall in 2011. Williams made his 2013 preseason debut on Saturday night, rushing twice for ten yards. We wouldn't be surprised if someone bites.

ETA: IMHO, the fact that this is coming to light now (after Mendy dinged his knee) would seem to indicate that perhaps the injury is a big deal.