Cardinals running back options

Oct 8, 2012, 6:08 PM | Updated: 9:40 pm

The Arizona Cardinals find themselves scrambling for depth in the backfield.

In Week 3, Beanie Wells went down with a severe turf toe injury that is expected to sideline him until at least November 25.

To make matters worse, this week the Cardinals lost Ryan Williams to a season ending shoulder injury that will require surgery.

Unless they decide to entrust LaRod Stephens-Howling, William Powell and Alfonso Smith with all of the carries, it is likely the Cardinals will turn to free agency in an attempt to find an all-purpose back.

Below are some free agents that may be available for the Cardinals to take a look at.

Follow @AZSports

Ryan Torain
Torain has been affective when given an opportunity to play, unfortunately, his inability to stay healthy has derailed his career. Since being drafted out of Arizona State in 2008, Torain has only played 20 career games. Last season, Torain spent eight weeks with the Washington Redskins but was cut midway through the season after being beat out on the depth chart by rookies Roy Helu and Evan Royster.

Cadillac Williams
After being named the 2005 Offensive Rookie of the Year, the wheels fell off for Williams. In 2007 he tore his patellar tendon in his right knee and in the following season he suffered the same injury on his left. But Williams returned in 2008 and ran a solid 823 yards on 211 carries. Over the last three season, Williams has been a productive back up and has shown that he can make in impact in the passing game. Last season, he appeared in 11 games for the St. Louis Rams as a back up for Steven Jackson.

Maurice Morris
The definition of a durable running back, Morris has played in at least 11 games in each of his 10 seasons in the NFL and does not appear to be slowing down. Last season, Morris played in all 16 games, sharing time with Jahvid Best and Kevin Smith.

Tim Hightower
Hightower did not miss a single game for the Arizona Cardinals from 2008 to 2010. He was a durable option and gave Arizona consistency in the backfield. Hightower spent last season with the Washington Redskins, but only managed to play in five games before a torn ACL ended his season early. It is still questionable whether or not Hightower has fully recovered from the injury that ended his 2011 season.

Steve Slaton
Slaton was a monster as a rookie in 2008 with the Houston Texans. He ran for 1,282 yards and nine touchdowns. Since that time, he has only managed to run for 100 yards in a season one time. Slaton was a member of the Dolphins during training camp, but he was released just before the first game of the season. Despite tryouts with the Bears and Lions, he is still fighting to get his career back on track.

Joseph Addai

Addai hit the ground running when he first entered the league in 2006. In his first two seasons, he ran for 1,000 yards and was a key part of the Indianapolis Colts' potent offense. However, injuries have slowed Addai over the past three seasons. He was picked up by the New England Patriots on May 6 but was released after he "quit" during his conditioning test.

Arizona Cardinals

Tyler Drake

Monti Ossenfort keeping trade options open as Cardinals’ draft board nears completion

The Arizona Cardinals have about 95% of their draft board completed about a week out from the NFL Draft and continue to look at all avenues.

11 hours ago

Monti Ossenfort looks on during the 2023 NFL Draft Combine...

Tyler Drake

Daniel Jeremiah: NFL Draft is Cardinals’ moment to set up franchise for years to come

The 2024 NFL Draft marks a big set-your-franchise-up situation for the Arizona Cardinals, says NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.

16 hours ago

Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill speaks at a press conference...

Tyler Drake

Michael Bidwill: Cardinals ‘aligned on getting this thing right’ in 2024

Michael Bidwill believes the Cardinals aren't that far off from really turning things around under Jonathan Gannon and Monti Ossenfort.

2 days ago

Nick Borgia

Marvin Harrison Jr. remains Cardinals top pick in latest ESPN mock

With the 2024 NFL draft just around the corner, ESPN's latest mock draft details what could be in store for the Cardinals' first six picks.

2 days ago

Kevin Zimmerman

Peter Schrager’s NFL mock draft has a surprising Cardinals trade-down with Giants

Peter Schrager believes the New York Giants could trade with the Arizona Cardinals, who move down to the No. 6 pick to select Rome Odunze.

3 days ago

Tyler Drake

Tweaked process, same message: Cardinals begin strength and conditioning program

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon isn't the biggest believer in picking up where you left off, especially on a year-to-year basis.

3 days ago