Arizona Cardinals may go Andre Ellington over Rashard Mendenhall

Rashard Mendenhall has been adequate thus far for the Arizona Cardinals while leading the team in rushing. But he did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday while he was seen on the sidelines on a workout bike. Mendenhall has reportedly dealt with a knee injury since training camp, but now he may have a toe issue. It’s unclear whether it’s a sprain or turf toe.

With a limited ceiling and a team hoping to get more offensive production at RB, they may look to the more explosive Andre Ellington this week. He got six touches and scored on a pass-route out of the backfield, and was key in the team’s 25-21 win over the Detroit Lions last week.

Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians praised Ellington, suggesting that he’s the type of back that can ‘carry the load’, and he may be putting his money where his mouth is this week if Mendenhall can’t go.

This is a huge opportunity for Ellington to showcase his full arsenal of abilities, and even become the featured back in this offense this year.