Beanie Wells fantasy update: Ryan Williams' value makes leap after Wells' injury

With the news of the Arizona Cardinals placing Beanie Wells on the injured reserve list with the designated to return tag, Ryan Williams has moved into the lead running back spot until at least Nov. 25. That's when Wells will be able to make a return to game action, assuming that his turf toe injury is better.

The decision by the Cardinals to place Wells on the injured reserve now makes the running back situation more clear. So far this season, the banged up Wells had 29 carries to Williams' 31, but it was Williams' 3.4 rush average bettering Wells' 2.9. Neither had a touchdown this year.

Any need to pick up a running back for a fantasy team could point to Williams as someone to keep an eye on. Now that's he's the main back, his numbers might see a big increase despite the Cardinals being the NFL's 27th-best rushing team.

Expect Williams to get the majority of the carries for Ken Whisenhunt's offense. He had a breakout game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, carrying the ball 13 times for 83 yards. Behind him, Arizona has only a smaller change-up back in LaRod Stephens-Howling, and the untested William Powell, a first-year pro out of Kansas State.

Beanie Wells injury: Running back placed on Arizona IR, Ryan Williams steps in

Arizona Cardinals running back Beanie Wells was placed on the injured reserve on Wednesday, but is the team's player designated to return, according to NFL reporter Adam Caplan. That means Wells, who has been limited with turf toe, will be out until at least late November.

Beanie Wells eligible to play again 11/25 vs Rams. Misses MIA, STL, BUF, MIN, SF, GB and ATL games. Plus bye.

— Mike Sando, ESPN.com (@espn_nfcwest) September 26, 2012

Wells has 29 rushing attempts for 76 yards this season.

The decision places the running back duties heavily on backup Ryan Williams, who is playing in his first season out of Virginia Tech after missing his true rookie season because of a knee injury. Williams had a breakout game in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles, taking 13 carries for 83 yards. It was a fine recovery from a late-game fumble one week prior that almost cost Arizona a victory at New England.

Williams has 31 carries for 105 yards this season.

Yesterday's roster moves alluded to Wells's status. Despite having LaRod Stephens-Howling and William Powell behind Williams on the depth chart, Arizona signed running back Alfonso Smith and fullback Korey Hall.