Arizona gave rookie running back Stepfan Taylor extensive action in Friday night's preseason opener against the Packers, but the Stanford product didn't exactly blow anyone away. Taylor rushed for 64 yards on 20 carries, averaging a measly 3.2 yards per touch.
Stepfan Taylor struggles in opener, fantasy value looks low
The Cardinals backfield isn’t likely to produce any dominant runners this season. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Rashard Mendenhall despite recently returning to practice. Alfonso Smith saw 12 carries after Taylor's night was done, but he fared even worse than the rookie, gaining just 21 yards.
Fantasy impact: Coming out of college, Taylor wasn’t expected to be an explosive back. He grinds it out on the ground, which is exactly what we saw out of him against the Packers.
Head coach Bruce Arians recently downplayed questions about the run game, so he doesn't seem too concerned about having a stud rusher in his backfield. Mendenhall will be the starter, but even if he stays healthy, fantasy owners should avoid this unspectacular situation. Don't waste your time worrying about the Cardinals ground game.
