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Replace Ryan Williams? Maybe one of these guys

Aug 22, 2011, 9:57 PM | Updated: Aug 23, 2011, 3:40 am

BY ARIZONA SPORTS

The Arizona Cardinals will be looking to replace the injured
Ryan Williams over the next couple of weeks, with head coach
Ken Whisenhunt saying the team won’t rush into a decision.

So, chances are they will wait for a veteran to become
available once teams begin trimming their rosters. Will the
Cardinals be a landing spot for one of them, or will they
decide to sign someone who is on the market right now?

We’re not sure, but we at ArizonaSports.com put together a
list of possible targets.

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There was a time when Kevin Smith was thought
to be the future at RB for the Lions, but
injuries have taken their toll and now he is
without a team. The 24-year-old ran for 976
yards as a rookie in 2008, but has seen his
production slip since then.

Chester Taylor never found a groove in his
first season with the Chicago Bears after years
of success with Minnesota. His career began in
Baltimore, and he's averaged 4.1 yards per
carry over the course of his career. Taylor has
a reputation as a solid third down and goal
line back.

Running back Mike Hart has recently retired and
is now an assistant coach for Eastern Michigan
University. The Cardinals could lure him out of
retirement with a lucrative contract offer.

Brian Westbrook could be tempted to join former
Eagles teammate Kevin Kolb in Arizona.
Westbrook Played in 14 games for San Fransisco
last season, running for 340 yards and 4
touchdowns. Cardinals fans may remember
Westbrook for his 23 carry, 136 yard
performance on Monday Night Football at
University of Phoenix Stadium last November.

Free agent Clinton Portis recently worked out
for the New England Patriots, though reports
said he was out of shape. The Cardinals could offer a
better opportunity for Portis to get on the
field, though it's been a couple years since he
was truly an impact player.

Julius Jones has had a solid career, topping
the 1,000 yard mark in 2006. He's spent time
with the Cowboys, Seahawks and Saints, where he
remains for now.

Free agent Laurence Maroney did not live up to
the high expectations placed on him after being
drafted by New England, but has shown ability
at times. He rushed for just 74 yards last year
with Denver.

Former workhorse Fred Taylor would add some
stability to the Cardinals backfield but his
age brings doubt he could last the entire
season. He decided against retirement to remain
with the Patriots, but if they parted ways with
him he may decide to play one more year out in
the desert.

Former Arizona State University running back
Dimitri Nance was signed by Green Bay after RB
Ryan Grant went down to injury in 2010. Nance
could be another emergency replacement for the
Cardinals.

Steve Slaton is another back currently on a
roster, but may be released since Ben Tate is
expected to be the number 2 with Chris
Ogbonnaya and Derrick Ward competing for the
the 3rd spot. Slaton showed promise during
his rookie year in 2008, rushing for 1,282
yards, but has tallied just 530 since.

Tashard Choice is currently on the Dallas
Cowboys roster, but hasn't played this
preseason due to a calf injury. Choice may be
available since Dallas has a crowded
backfield. He has been a solid backup,
splitting time with Marion Barber and Felix
Jones. Choice is a 4th year player out of
Georgia Tech who has just over 1,000 yards
rushing for his career.

Willie Parker is currently a free agent after
spending last year on the Redskins roster.
Parker has seven years of NFL experience and
over 5,000 yards rushing for his career. He
hasn't been a factor the past three seasons,
but did roll off three straight 1,000 yard
seasons from 2005 through 2007. Ken Whisenhunt
coached Parker in Pittsburgh.

Donald Brown was high on the Cardinals' draft
board back in 2009 before ending up with the
Indianapolis Colts. Three years later the
former UConn Huskie finds himself low on the
depth chart and could be looking for a new team
soon. He's rushed for 778 yards over the course
of two NFL seasons.

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Replace Ryan Williams? Maybe one of these guys