The Facts: Following up on a previous item. ... When Rashard Mendenhall retired, Ellington assumed the featured back role, though his size prompted questions about his ability to handle it. In 2014, the results weren't pretty. While he played through a foot injury, and later, a hip injury, a sports hernia that ended Ellington's 2014 season in December. He underwent surgery this offseason to repair the hernia. The foot injury didn't require surgery, just rest and rehab, and Ellington is beginning to feel like his old self. "It's like night and day," he said. "I'm close to doing a lot of things I've done in the past. Just (this week) I was able to do all my cuts and put a lot more pressure on my foot."
Diehards Line:
The issues last season were obvious. As a rookie in 2013, Ellington was electrifying, gaining 1,023 yards from scrimmage and averaging 5.53 yards per rush, which led all NFL players who had at least 100 attempts. Ellington's per carry average last season was just 3.3 yards, and the Cardinals ranked last overall in that category. The injuries might explain why Ellington felt the opposite of threatened when the Cardinals drafted RB David Johnson in the third round last week. If Johnson is what the Cardinals think he is, he will lighten Ellington's load. "I don't see why not," Ellington said when asked if he would be helped by the addition of Johnson. "It allows me to have more rest time, and it should keep the offense upbeat." As Republic staffer Kent Somers suggests, if Johnson produces, Ellington's role could come full circle from his rookie season. Back then, Arians was cautious about using him too much, especially on runs inside the tackles. It could be turn out to be a case of addition by subtraction. We'll be watching for more.