Beanie Wells has had to share the load with Tim Hightower his first two years in the league. That, coupled with his injuries, has resulted in a combined 292 carries.

The good news is there isn’t much wear on the tires for a third-year back, especially one that entered the league with such great expectations.

Beanie was expected to share the load again this year, but a pectoral injury to rookie Ryan Williams means that the former Buckeye running back should top the 200-carry mark this year.

That is, of course, assuming that Beanie can hold up to the increased workload.

The Cardinals will bring some help in, but they aren’t likely to play a significant role in the offense. It’s sink or swim time for Beanie.

If he can deliver he can keep Ryan Williams at bay when Williams returns from injury next year.

Beanie stands a good chance of being better this year. He showed flashes in 2009 that made him a popular breakout pick last year.

Arizona’s offense was so bad though that even Larry Fitzgerald didn’t look like himself. This year should be different.

Kevin Kolb was brought in to bring stability and effectiveness to the quarterback position. The Cardinals’ quarterback play was so bad last year that it derailed the offense.

Kolb is teaming with Fitz to restore the passing game, which should open up the running game for Beanie.

The injury makes Beanie a low-end RB3 or high-end RB4.

 

Also check out:

2011 Fantasy Football QB Rankings
2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings - PPR
2011 Fantasy Football WR Rankings
2011 Fantasy Football TE Rankings
2011 Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
2011 Fantasy Football IDP Rankings
2011 Fantasy Football K Rankings