William

Powell

Smith lost out to William Powell, who entered the week as the preseason rushing leader, for the final tailback spot.

The NFL’s preseason rushing leader caught the eye of Rotoworld’s Chris Wesseling last week, showing more burst than presumed third-stringer Alfonso Smith ever has at this level. Up to 231 yards at 7.0 per clip after a strong training camp, Powell is doing is best to push Smith off the roster -- even if his production has come primarily versus players that will be cut next week.

Powell played ahead of Ryan Williams in the hurry-up offense, not that it translated to many touches. A second-year undrafted free agent out of Kansas State, Powell possesses limited talent and is just a weak “handcuff” for Williams until Beanie Wells gets back. Powell is ahead of Alfonso Smith on the depth chart.

“We went in planning to have a rotation like we normally do,” explained Whiz, “but LaRod had the hot hand.” William Powell’s opening-kickoff fumble also contributed to Stephens-Howling’s increased workload. We have no way of knowing the backfield plans for Week 8 versus the 49ers, but it’s a daunting matchup for a Cardinals ground attack that has been held under 50 yards three times already. As we’ve opined several times, Stephens-Howling is unworthy of a high waiver selection this week.

Prior to Williams’ August 2011 patellar tendon tear, he showed signs of difference-making talent. He’s going to get a chance to put that on display for at least the next two months. Williams, who impressively rushed 13 times for 83 yards against the Eagles last week, now projects to push for 20 touches per week as long as his knee cooperates. He’ll be backed up on early downs by William Powell.

Any player acquired would be a mere stopgap until Wells returns in November. Beat writer Kent Somers confirms the Cardinals are “not enamored” with any of the available street free agents after getting burned by Chester Taylor a year ago. Arizona will proceed with the underwhelming trio of William Powell, La’Rod Stephens-Howling, and Alfonso Smith.

He’s on track to play versus the Bills. Although Stephens-Howling is listed atop the depth chart at running back, the Cardinals know he’s stretched beyond 6-8 touches in a game. If forced to choose an Arizona back for fantasy purposes, we would much rather gamble on William Powell.

They’ll suit up against the Bills. How they divvy up carries remains the question, but our best guess is LSH will “start” and monopolize third-down touches, while Powell carries the load on first and second down. Alfonso Smith should also get a touch or two. Powell is the No. 25 running back in Chris Wesseling’s Week 6 ranks, with LSH checking in at No. 34.

Powell has clearly fallen well behind La’Rod Stephens-Howling, who touched the ball 19 times in Sunday’s loss. Drop Powell during Arizona’s Week 10 bye.

As was William Powell (shoulder). AzCardinals.com’s Darren Urban is “sure it’s precautionary,” so there’s no reason to worry about Wells’ Week 13 status. Reinstalled as the Cardinals’ clear lead back in Week 12, Wells will get the Jets’ soft run defense this weekend.