Arizona Cardinals Need To Make Decision on Ryan Williams

Aug 29, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Ryan Williams (34) reacts to his rushing touchdown during the second quarter of a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals have five running backs.  Only four of them have seen the playing field since preseason.  The fifth one, Ryan Williams, has been inactive for all five of the Cards games so far.  The reason media say is because of special teams.  If that is the case, then why is he on the roster?  What did the Cards keep him for?

Williams was pretty much a lock to be cut or traded back in the preseason but then he found his way back and played well in the second half of the third preseason game against the San Diego Chargers and then the final preseason game against the Denver Broncos.  Since that night in Denver though, Williams hasn’t been seen.  Asked after that Denver game if Williams had made the team, Cards head coach Bruce Arians said yes, this team needs a guy like Ryan Williams on it.

"He busted his tail six hours a day in the weight room for four months. He was so frustrated in camp, but I was so happy to see him get out and play football and play it well – Bruce Arians"

Sure enough, he made the final 53-man roster.  It really makes no sense though if he is staying inactive though because of special teams.  Wouldn’t it behoove the Cards to go get a guy who could play special teams and keep him inactive until he is needed.  Right now, Williams doesn’t seem to be needed with the emergence of Andre Ellington and the serviceable Rashard Mendenhall.  Even Alfonso Smith has made contributions so far early on.

If the Cards had let Williams go, he could have hooked on with another team.  Williams has not been on any of the injury reports, so we know he’s not hurt, at least physically.  Going into game six of the regular season, don’t you kind of already know what you have in Williams?  Either activate him on Sunday’s and play him or drop him.  It seems to be quite the waste of a roster spot right now.