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2 Months Arizona Cardinals Cardinals re-signed exclusive rights free agent RB Alfonso Smith to a one-year, $555,000 contract. Smith appeared in 11 games for the Cardinals last season, mainly on special teams. He'll do the same this season, if he makes the squad. | There were a rash of injuries suffered in Week 5. While NFL rosters will plug in the next player in line, fantasy owners will require a more educated approach to fill their holes and continue to field a competitive lineup. Here is a look at a few of the key injuries and some suggestions on where to look for help. Cedric Benson had carved out a nice role in the Green Bay Packers offense over the first several weeks. Benson was a serviceable weekly flex play or a solid backup running back before he exited Sunday's contest with an injury. At first, the injury to Benson appeared to be minor, but, after a more indepth diagnosis Monday, the Packers revealed that he had suffered a Lisfranc foot injury. The injury carries an estimated two-month absence. Alex Green appears to have the inside opportunity to claim the starting role, but does that mean that he should be on the top of your waiver wire adds? Green was effective filling in for Benson, logging 55 yards on nine carries. James Starks has missed the first five weeks battling turf toe, but he should be back in action soon. Starks was the lead back for the Packers last season, but he is not an elusive, dynamic back suited to lead the Packers or your running attack. Green has more upside and is worth a speculative add if you are desperate for help in your backfield. Two weeks after putting Chris ‘Beanie' Wells on Injured Reserve with an injury that will keep him out of action until November, Ryan Williams suffered a season-ending shoulder injury this week. The Cardinals rushing attack has not been dependable with either back this season, and it only figures to get worst with the latest injury. A true running back by committee approach probably lies ahead for the Cardinals. LaRod Stephens-Howling figures to get the first shot, but Alfonso Smith and William Powell will also get carries. Unless one of the backs emerges as a legitimate lead back, none of these guys belongs on your roster. Chris Johnson has now gained less than 25 yards in four of his five games this season after his 24-yard outing on Sunday. Many have been suggesting that it may be time for the Tennessee Titans to let Javon Ringer have a shot at the starting job to see if his skills better suit offensive coordinator Chris Palmer's schemes. On the heels of another terrible outing, Ringer would have been closer than ever to claiming the starting job, but on Sunday he suffered a MCL injury that is expected to keep him out of action for... | 8 Months Arizona Cardinals Cardinals re-signed RB Alfonso Smith. Beat writer Kent Somers says Smith's signing "is perhaps an indication that [Beanie] Wells won't be able to play on Sunday, or maybe longer." Wells is dealing with turf toe. Smith will slide in behind Ryan Williams, LaRod Stephens-Howling and William Powell if Beanie is indeed sidelined. | 9 Months Arizona Cardinals Cardinals waived or released RB Alfonso Smith, OG Russ Hochstein, WR DeMarco Sampson, TE Steve Skelton, TE Martell Webb, WR Isaiah Williams, OT D.J. Young and C Scott Wedige. Smith lost out to William Powell, who entered the week as the preseason rushing leader, for the final tailback spot. | Hall of Fame Game: New Orleans Saints 17, Arizona Cardinals 10 New Orleans Perhaps the most glaring observation made during this game was how little the Saints offensive system will change in 2012, despite the absence of head coach Sean Peyton. New Orleans opened the game putting the ball in the hands of Drew Brees with rapid decision making, marching straight down the field to score a quick touchdown. Those who questioned Brees' 2012 fantasy value got their answer (myself included). This game also taught us that the Saints will continue to utilize all three running backs in the same roles from last season. Pierre Thomas started the game, garnering most of the carries between the 20s. Darren Sproles entered the mix primarily as the "pass-catching running back," while Mark Ingram finished the scoring drive taking the goal line carry in for a touchdown. Sproles still looks to be the player to own, but the timeshare will continue. The battle between kicker John Kasay and Garrett Hartley didn't become any clearer. Kasay handled field goal duties going 1-for-2 with a block, while Hartley nailed both extra point opportunities. Whoever emerges has serious fantasy value. Considering the physical nature in which Jimmy Graham plays the position, we should note the Saints' backup tight end looks to be Michael Higgins. Although miniscule now, put this in the back end of your notes, especially if Graham is your starting tight end exiting the draft. Arizona Exiting last season, and throughout the offseason, the hot topic coming out of Arizona has been the quarterback competition. As expected, Kevin Kolb started the game only to throw an ugly interception on his first pass attempt after failing to recognize the coverage of Malcolm Jenkins. On the Cardinals' third possession, Kolb would be hit hard and forced to leave the game with an injury the Cardinals are calling a rib contusion (fancy word for bruise). We should remember that Kolb has never played more than nine games while struggling with numerous injuries ranging from turf toe all the way to concussions (get it, head to toe). Replacing Kolb was third-year player John Skelton. During my offseason breakdown of the Cardinals, I noted that Skelton proved to be the superior player in 2011 while increasing the value of all Cardinals' offensive players, especially Larry Fitzgerald. Skelton did not disappoint. He correctly read the Saints defense, adjusting the play and making accurate throws in the face of... | 4/5/2012 Arizona Cardinals Cardinals re-signed exclusive rights RB Alfonso Smith to a one-year, $540,000 contract. Smith was forced into Arizona's No. 2 back job for a spell last season after Ryan Williams' torn patella. Smith has respectable size and speed, but there is zero wiggle to his game and he doesn't break tackles. He wound up averaging 3.40 yards per carry and falling back down the depth chart by season's end. Smith will have to battle for a roster spot this summer. | 10/25/2011 Arizona Cardinals Alfonso Smith is expected to start in Week 8 if Beanie Wells (knee) can't go. Smith is a 2010 undrafted free agent out of Kentucky and replacement-level talent at best. With Wells sidelined in Week 3, Smith rushed 17 times for 54 yards and added three catches for 21 yards. That's about the ceiling of what we'd expect against the Ravens this week, especially after coach Ken Whisenhunt said, "It will be a little bit of back-by-committee," when asked about replacing Wells. LaRod Stephens-Howling and Chester Taylor will also get work. | |
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