Arizona Cardinals Activate Beanie Wells from PUP List

The Arizona Cardinals got some good news on Tuesday when starting running back Chris “Beanie” Wells was participating in walk-throughs, according to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic.

Wells’ participation means that he’s been activated from the physically unable to perform list following a knee procedure in May.

Wells rushed for 1,047 yards last season in 15 games. It was the first 1,000-yard season in his three-year career.

Wells is not expected to play in Friday’s preseason game at Kansas City, but could be available for the third game against the Raiders if things go well. Wells’ supposed backup this season, Ryan Williams, is also on the road back from recovery and could make his debut in that third preseason game.

Williams has been a full participant in practice and has looked good thus far. He was held out of Sunday’s preseason opener against New Orleans as a precaution and is not expected to play Friday. Williams was a second-round pick last year and the Cardinals have high hopes for the promising youngster.

Somers also reported that Kevin Kolb was throwing in practice just two days after he left Sunday’s game with a bruised rib. Kolb is questionable against the Chiefs, meaning John Skelton will get the start behind center.

This is all good news for the Cardinals, whose offense looked anemic against the Saints. Only Skelton was able to generate any consistent offensive production and he remains the early leader in Arizona’s quarterback competition.

There was a bit of bad news on Tuesday as fullback Jared Crank returned to Arizona to have a neck injury examined. Linebacker Paris Lenon, who left Sunday’s game in the first quarter, did not practice on Tuesday. Rookie offensive tackle Bobby Massie was also held out with a minor ailment.

Once the Cardinals get Wells and Williams back on the field, the offense should look a lot different—and be a lot more productive.