The Facts: Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt announced that running back Ryan Williams needed shoulder surgery following the injury he sustained in the team's Week 5 loss to the St. Louis Rams. This is second straight season that Williams will end up on injured reserve. Williams faces a recovery timetable of three months. Whisenhunt said the second-year back will be ready for the offseason program.

Diehards Line:We were surprised by Whisenhunt's news that Williams would be out for the season. With Beanie Wells out until November 25 at the earliest, the Cardinals backfield consists of LaRod Stephens-Howling, William Powell and Alfonso Smith. There is a chance that the Cardinals could sign a free agent or consider a trade, but there was no commitment from Whisenhunt on that front. Stephens-Howling is next man up on the depth chart and is the starter until we hear otherwise. Downside: He has already missed two games this season with a hip injury. LHS could have value in PPR leagues provided Arizona uses him on passing downs. His role in the return game gives him a boost in formats that score return yards. Powell impressed in training camp and during the preseason. We think is the back to target on this week's waiver wire. Arizona re-signed Smith when Wells was placed on IR-designated return. We assume the Cards will use a committee approach of sorts, however it's hard to say with certainty how they will distribute the workload.