Arizona Cardinals Release William Powell

December 30, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) hands the ball off to running back William Powell (33) during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

I think the writing was on the wall with all the off-season signings and draft picks at the running back position for Arizona Cardinals running back William Powell.  Make that now former Arizona Cardinals running back William Powell.  Today the team announced he was released.  They also released wide receiver Michael Rios and tight end Kyle Auffray.  They signed wide receiver Robby Toma.

When the Cards went out and got running back Rashard Mendenhall, then drafted Stepfan Taylor and Andre Ellington, combined with Ryan Williams returning, there really was just no room for Powell in the Cards offensive backfield.  Powell at one point was thought to be an up and coming player.  He rushed 60 times for 217 yards. with his longest run being 17 yards and no touchdowns.

He was someone who became expendable though.  I believe the Cards did him a true favor here, releasing him before all the camps get going.  It gives him a chance to latch on with another team, something I have extreme confidence in.  I still believe he can help a team and make a decent impact.  Someone just has to give him a chance.

As long as they are healthy, Mendenhall and Williams will be the one and two backs who will see the bulk of the carries.  I expect to see Taylor and Ellington both get a ton of work in the preseason and one of them will compete for the third spot on the depth chart.