Arizona Cardinals Sign Rashard Mendenhall

December 30, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall (34) rushes the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Now that the Detroit Lions have signed Reggie Bush the Arizona Cardinals are having to look elsewhere to fix their running back situation. They’d decided to sign Rashard Mendenhall, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers, to a one year contract.

This brings Ryan Williams involvement in the Cardinals running game into question.

Their new head coach Bruce Arians is familiar with Rashard Mendenhall from his time in Pittsburgh. He also believes in a true featured back system as to the running game by committee concept. He used Vick Ballard in that same way last year with the Indianapolis Colts.

Rashard Mendenhall is still a young back, only 26 years old. He’ll be a full season removed from an ACL tear by the time the 2013 season rolls around. Arians likes Mendenhall too, he once compared him ro Colts great Edgerrin James.

The biggest obstacle in Mendenhall’s tenure with the Cardinals will likely be the rest of the offense. While there is one of the best wide receivers there in Larry Fitzgerald the quarterback situation is disastrous and the offensive line is weak. Could be hard to get yards behind that line.

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