Beanie

Wells

When asked if he’d be at full speed for the game, Wells responded, “Yeah, definitely.” Wells was limited in practice Friday after feeling tightness in his hamstring in Thursday’s practice, but all indications are that Arizona was just being careful with their lead back. Despite the good news on the health front, Beanie remains a risky RB2 play against a solid Seattle run defense.

Wells tried to make it through pre-game warmups, but apparently couldn’t get his hamstring loose. Look for Chester Taylor and La’Rod Stephens-Howling to do most of the ball carrying, though the Cardinals might just attack Seattle with the pass. Wells will try to come back next week against the Giants.

La’Rod Stephens-Howling is also inactive with a hand injury, so Arizona’s two backs will be Chester Taylor and Alfonso Smith. It’s not a good fantasy situation against a tough Seattle run defense, though we suppose Taylor could get a goal-line carry or two. The Cards’ other inactives are WR Chansi Stuckey, TE Jim Dray, QB John Skelton, OT D’Anthony Baptiste, and DE Ron Talley.

Wells did ramp up his participation level, showing no ill effects after sprinting drills. “I sat out last week,” said Wells, “so I could be safe this week.” He’s still confident that he’ll be at full speed for Sunday’s game against the Giants. Rotoworld ranks Beanie 17th among fantasy backs for Week 4.

Wells sprinted Thursday, but didn’t push too hard. “We didn’t have any setbacks,” said Whiz. “Hopefully, we’ll get enough reps (Friday) that we’re comfortable and we’ll check it out before the game as well.” LaRod Stephens-Howling (hand) graduated to a full practice Thursday and could take on a bigger role on passing downs if the Cardinals opt to ease Wells back in.

Somers also believes La’Rod Stephens-Howling (hand) will be back. This is all just speculation, but Wells did practice on a limited basis every day this week and coach Ken Whisenhunt has been outwardly optimistic about his chances of playing. Wells just isn’t going to be a great fantasy play against a tough Giants run defense and coming off a tricky injury.

Whisenhunt said the Cardinals’ medical staff will have to test out Wells’ hamstring in pre-game warmups, but reiterated that there is “optimism” Beanie will play. Prior to his hamstring pull, Wells was averaging nearly six yards a carry with two touchdowns in two starts. Giants-Cardinals has a 4:05ET start, so Wells owners should be sure to have fall-back plans in late games.

It will be Umenyiora’s season debut. If Tuck is indeed sidelined, Jason Pierre-Paul will draw draw the start, and Umenyiora could approach a full workload. Beanie Wells (questionable, hamstring), who is likely to play, comes in as our No. 19 ranked running back for Week 4.

On Saturday, Wells said his hamstring is “99 percent normal.” Despite a tough matchup today, Wells is a must-start in all formats as he takes a 5.44 yards per carry average into this one. Last week, Beanie’s number was called on 27 of the Cardinals’ 30 running plays.

He added that his synergy with his lineman is at an all-time high, and we would agree after watching him jump out to a 20-touchdown pace powered by 5.44 yards per carry. None of the Arizona beat writers are concerned about his status for this week and we’re following their lead. The Vikings have a strong run defense, but the same could be said for the Giants last week, who got shredded by Wells for 138 yards and three scores. Beanie has entered every-week RB1 territory. Just confirm that he’s active on Sunday morning before setting your lineup.