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As the Arizona Cardinals head into their final preseason game, they do so with a few position battles still yet unresolved. We'll take a look at what is left to be determined, beginning with the battle at running back.

Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams are locked in as the team's top two backs, and LaRod Stephens-Howling will also have a role on the team, leaving both William Powell and Alfonso Smith vying for the role of backup to the backup's backup.

William Powell

A 24-year-old who went undrafted out of Kansas State, Powell has had an excellent preseason for the Cardinals, racking up 231 yards and three touchdowns on 33 attempts.

Powell leads the entire NFL in preseason rushing yards, and while his numbers ultimately won't count, they have certainly put his name in the conversation for a roster spot that was anything but guaranteed just months ago.

It's a far cry from last season, when Powell was best known as the guy who carried the rock a healthy 29 times in the preseason finale, as the coaching staff was hoping to preserve the running backs it was planning on keeping around.

Powell is set to get a substantial amount of carries Thursday night, but for a completely different reason.

Alfonso Smith

Alfonso Smith went into training camp this year likely with a roster spot in tow, but all bets are off now.

Which player should get the job?
William Powell
Alfonso Smith
Smith has picked up 107 yards and one touchdown on 23 preseason carries, and his 4.7 YPC average is nothing to sneeze at. However, the 25-year-old isn't necessarily losing his hold on the job as much as Powell may be taking it, and it's up to the former Kentucky Wildcat to hold off the competition.

One advantage Smith may have is his regular season experience, as he got the start for the Cardinals in Seattle last season and received carries in a few other games.

• Coming Tuesday: Tackles
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    hugUhbear wrote...
    We may need both Powell & Smith
    August 27, 2012 6:39 pm
    with Beanie and Ryan's return from injuries and might want to to try putting Smith on the practice team. That being said, only the most foolish NFL team would allow Powell to get away from them after what he has flashed as a RB (he racked up alot of yards this preseason) that can pass block as well as be a dump-off for the QB when they are being hurried. AS WELL AS he looked above average or more in the return game on kick-off returns.
  • Abuse
    Think4URself wrote...
    How bout a trade Miami?
    August 27, 2012 7:38 pm
    I have a young spread offense QB with a few games under his belt and a young tough #3 RB with good work ethic. I will even throw in a 2012 first round pick WR from Notre Dame? Heck, I will throw in a 2013 3rd rounder. We need a starting LT with a short last name who attended U of Michigan. Whatya think?
  • Abuse
    sundevil7901 wrote...
    Powell
    August 28, 2012 9:23 am
    wins this one, hands down. The Cards are going to need to run the ball alot this year if they want to stand a chance. With Beanie's and Ryan's injury history, I wouldn't be surprised to see Powell be the team's workhorse back by the end of the season.
  • Abuse
    OpinionH8d wrote...
    Any fool can see it's Powell
    August 28, 2012 2:38 pm
    If Powell doesn't make this team, it will be a huge mistake. Beanie and Williams are fragile and he has big time skills that will be needed at some point in the season.
  • Abuse
    FitzIsMyHero wrote...
    Thinkforurself
    August 29, 2012 5:47 am
    I'm Miami and I'll accept your trade. But in order for this to go through, Kolb needs to restructure his contract and take a pay cut. I could use Powell because Reggie Bush is a injury Liability. You can give me Michael Floyd, but, I havent seen anything impressive from him this whole preseason. Why dont you keep your 1st rd WR. Give me your 2013 1st Rd Draft pick, and I'll give you this offensive tackle.
  • Abuse
    mesa mad man wrote...
    joke
    August 29, 2012 10:32 am
    the miami trade you guys are talking about is a joke. miami has bush, daniel thomas (high draft pick), charles clay, lamar miller (highly thought of rookie), and steve slaton (shown he can be explosive, but injury prone). They drafted Tannehill to be their QB and named him starter, they are not going to bring in an underachiever to supplement him.
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