The Arizona Cardinals start training camp practices on Wednesday. They have some certainty as to the personnel, but what they will be able produce definitely has some questions.
Last season, they went into training camp with Beanie Wells, second round pick Ryan Williams, LaRod Stephens-Howling, Alfonso Smith and some camp bodies. Williams got hurt in his very first preseason game and was lost for the season with a torn patella tendon.
Wells had his finest season as a pro, gaining over 1000 yards and shed the label of not being tough. However, he did not shed the label of being injury prone. He had offseason knee surgery.
Stephens-Howling carried the ball 43 times in 2011, but 20 of those carries came in a Week 17 start. He also produced the two longest plays from scrimmage of the season.
Alfonso Smith got some looks in one game but was replaced by veteran Chester Taylor in the rotation as the season went on.
This year, the expectation is that Wells, Williams, LSH and Smith will make the roster. However, with Wells and Williams both recovering from knee surgeries, their production is up in the air. However, the coaching staff has put some pressure on Wells to be ready for training camp.
There are no real postional battles. Wells is expected to be the starter. Williams is expected to take away carries in a two-back setting. LSH will get occasional looks on offense and Smith might see the field besides on special teams.
The team's only fullback on the roster is 2011 fifth round pick Anthony Sherman. He will, barring injury, be the guy again and will get snaps on offense and make significant contributions on special teams.
The team has William Powell (previous member of training camps past), Javarris James (related to former Cards RB Edgerrin James and undrafted rookie Jared Crank.
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