Arizona Cardinals: The 2016 running backs

The Arizona Cardinals kept four running backs on the 53-man roster

The Arizona Cardinals had six running backs in camp, all of whom could have succeeded on the 53-man regular-season roster. Unfortunately there are only so many roster spots the Cardinals could fill.

In the end, the Cardinals kept four running backs on the roster. They ended up cutting a couple of them this weekend in the final cut-down.

Running backs Kerwynn Williams and Elijhaa Penny were the two backs that didn’t make the cut. One of the backs is returning to the Cardinals practice squad.

David Johnson

Johnson started off quickly in 2015. In the first two weeks of the 2015 season, Johnson had scored a touchdown three different ways. He scored by reception, by rushing, and by way of a 108-yard kick return. It was so special the Pro Football Hall of Fame came calling for some of his gear.

Being a rookie though, he tailed off a bit when Chris Johnson got hot. He had trouble hanging on to the ball and got in the doghouse of head coach Bruce Arians. By the time the season was in December and Chris Johnson lost for the season, David Johnson was the starter.

Arians deemed David Johnson no longer a rookie. A star was in the making. Now going into 2016, he is the starter with high expectations.

Johnson’s versatility is what puts him a cut above the rest. The ability to run with the ball and catch the ball as a receiver makes him invaluable.

Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson was off to a hot start last season and likely would have been last season’s comeback player of the year had he not been lost for the season in November against the San Francisco 49ers.

He was placed on revocable injured reserve, meaning he would have been eligible to return to the roster had the Cardinals advanced to the Super Bowl last season. It was a tough way to end a superb season.

His 814 yards rushing last season will not likely be eclipsed given the rise of David Johnson but he will still see the ball plenty. He’s not as versatile as David Johnson but still will provide great stretches of relief.

The most impressive thing about Johnson though was his willingness to return to the Cardinals despite being offered more money by the Miami Dolphins. All of this was knowing he’d be the backup back. It was all about the team and winning environment that got Johnson to return.

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Andre Ellington

There were a number of fans who weren’t interested in seeing Ellington return. Some wanted Williams or Penny to grab his spot on the team.

The fact is though, Ellington is healthy. The way he is being managed now should keep him healthier and fresher for every game. He is not an every down back.

However, Ellington’s versatility is also invaluable. If Ellington were a bit more durable and a little bigger, he’d easily be a number one or two back on any other team. The Cardinals did right by sticking with him and managing him to the point his career in Arizona should last at least a few more seasons.

Stepfan Taylor

Taylor was almost the forgotten man last season. He rarely touched the ball but then again the Cardinals didn’t need him as much with all the other weapons around.

Taylor only carried the ball 17 times for 58 yards last season. He’s mainly a one-play-and-out guy. What makes him a special player though is his play on special teams. That is one of the biggest reasons he was kept over guys like Williams and Penny.

Practice squad:

Elijhaa Penny

Penny deserved a continued evaluation after the training camp and preseason he had. He was given the featured back role in the preseason finale against the Denver Broncos last Thursday.

Penny carried the ball 23 times for 113 yards a touchdown. He made no mistakes. He showed he can be a workhorse when called upon.

Being on the practice squad gives the Cardinals nice depth at the position should something happen to one of the backs on the 53-man roster. Taylor injured his knee in the third week of preseason and should be fine but it shows things can change fast. Penny needs to be ready to go should something happen.

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