Fantasy owners are seeing their patience with Andre Ellington start to pay off. The Arizona Cardinals rookie running back is coming off a career-high game against the Atlanta Falcons and could be poised for the starting role if his momentum continues. As Ellington continues to outshine early expectations of him, head coach Bruce Arians is realizing the team has something with the running back.
In Week 8, Ellington put up 154 yards on 15 carries and one touchdown that went for 80 yards. He stumped the Atlanta Falcons defense all day as fantasy owners celebrated from their couch. It took a while, but the rookie has emerged from what has been a crowded backfield for the Cardinals. Even as current starter Rashard Mendenhall returns from a toe injury, Ellington will get the bulk of the carries in upcoming games.
According to the Cardinals team website, Arians plans on giving the rookie an increased amount of time on the field after proving capable of being a true workhorse running back. The coach wants to get Ellington involved in running and pass plays that could make his fantasy value increase quickly.
Ellington is worth investing in no matter if he is the starter or the backup. The rookie has been averaging 5.0 yards per carry in almost each game. He makes the most of the carries he is given while also showing versatility. On the year, Ellington has 198 yards off 22 catches.
"I work hard, and I try to be the best that I can be. When my opportunity comes, I just try to make the best of it," Ellington said.
Quarterback Carson Palmer has not exactly proved much this season. The Falcons game was the first time the veteran has had more touchdown passes than interceptions. A balanced offense is key for the Cardinals and Ellington is that key piece to put it all together. Even Falcons head coach Mike Smith recognized what the rookie can really bring to the field.
"Once we lost leverage, we weren't going to catch that guy. We said that he was going to be a potential game-wrecker going into this ballgame because he's a guy that has very good speed, very good vision, and he did a very nice job today," Smith said via the Falcons team website.
When Mendenhall returns, he will likely remain limited as the toe injury has continued to linger for some time. As long as Ellington builds off the momentum gained in Week 8, fantasy owners should be very pleased.
