Rashard Mendenhall expected to play in Arizona Cardinals season-opener
By Josh Sanchez
The Arizona Cardinals open up their regular season schedule on Sunday with a match up against the St. Louis Rams and their rushing attack will be at full force with free agent acquisition Rashard Mendenhall getting the start.
Mendenhall has been nursing a sore ankle and was held out of the team’s Monday practice, but head coach Bruce Arians said that the former Pittsburgh Steeler will be ready to go for Week One.
From the Arizona Cardinals official website:
"Tight end Rob Housler (ankle) and running back Rashard Mendenhall (ankle) were the only players not practicing. Housler remains day-to-day, Arians said and he said Mendenhall — who was wearing a brace — can play Sunday. “I did not let him go today, but he’s more than ready,” Arians said. “And Ryan (Williams) is full speed, so we’re fully healthy at running back.”"
With Mendenhall slated as the starting running back, the next question is who will serve as his primary back up.
The position is up for grabs between Ryan Williams and rookie Stepfan Taylor, but the team has yet to make an announcement. Despite Taylor’s impressive work throughout camp, the veteran Williams is expected to get the nod.