Arizona Cardinals head coach suggests running back Andre Ellington can ‘carry the load’
By Bryan Rose
That sound you just heard was Arizona Cardinals starting running back Rashard Mendenhall running to the practice field to impress the coaching staff, because apparently, backup Andre Ellington is right on his tail.
Speaking with the media this afternoon, Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians praised Ellington, suggesting that he’s the type of back that can ‘carry the load’.
Per Darren Urban:
"Arians said he doesn’t see Andre Ellington as 3rd down back. Can see him as a back who can carry the load."
Arians was asked if he felt Ellington had done enough work to be the third down back for good, but apparently he’s done far more than that in Arians’ eyes.
And while Arians wouldn’t commit to putting Ellington into the starting slot over Mendenhall, it’s potentially something we could see if the former Pittsburgh Steeler doesn’t improve his game.
That said, despite the pat on the back, Ellington only played in about 25% of the Cardinals snaps yesterday, so he’ll likely need to get more field time if he’s going to eventually take over Mendenhall.