Rashard Mendenhall Injury: Cardinals RB will not play

Arizona Cardinals running back Rashard Mendenhall (28) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis (58) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Cardinals RB Rashard Mendenhall did not practice all week with a toe injury, and he was listed doubtful on the team’s injury report. Players listed doubtful almost never play, and Mendenhall isn’t about to break that rule. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports, citing a league source, that Mendenhall will not play today due to the toe injury, and the Cardinals will start promising rookie Andre Ellington.

The Cardinals are reluctant to use Ellington as the full-time starter, because they are unsure if the smaller back can handle the workload of a feature back. But there’s no denying that Ellington has been the Cardinals most talented running back this season, because he is averaging plenty of yards per carry and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Mendenhall’s only advantage is in goal-line situations due to his power, because he is averaging just 3.1 yards per carry overall and averages less than ten receiving yards per game.

If there is an Arizona Cardinals running back that you want to roster in fantasy, then it’s Andre Ellington. If you have Mendenhall in a fantasy league, then you need to drop him and pick up Ellington. Although the Cardinals, sadly, don’t even want to try Ellington in the feature back role, he’s still worth a roster spot in standard leagues for sure. Ellington isn’t expected to get the full workload today, but he should get the brunt of it. Expect to see a little bit of Alfonso Smith and some of rookie Stepfan Taylor as well.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe. Be sure to like us on Facebook here and follow our site on Twitter as well.