Arizona Cardinals will start Rashard Mendenhall, Ryan Williams 2nd on depth chart

Aug 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Rashard Mendenhall (28) runs the ball while being tackled by San Diego Chargers defensive end Damik Scafe (75) in the first half of a preseason game against the at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

The Arizona Cardinals will start Rashard Mendenhall at running back and Ryan Williams will play the back up role. Mendenhall didn’t practice with an ankle injury and was wearing a brace. but Arians said he can play Sunday.

“I did not let him go today, but he’s more than ready,” Arians said.

Williams is also ready to go.

“Ryan (Williams) is full speed, so we’re fully healthy at running back,” Arians said, via the team’s website.

It doesn’t come as too much of a surprise that Mendenhall got the nod over Williams considering his shaky preseason performance.

Williams didn’t play too particularly well the last two preseason games gaining 35 yards on 11 carries. While Arians is spinning the situation and declaring his running backs as healthy there still remains a lot of question marks about the position. There are also health and durability questions.

Williams hasn’t displayed that explosive speed that he displayed at Virginia Tech.

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