In the latest attempt to keep their run game halfway functioning since losing David Johnson, the Arizona Cardinals acquired 32-year-old Adrian Peterson from the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday. They also released former starter, Chris Johnson, to free up space for Peterson. Peterson joins the team as it hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday. The Bucs are ranked fourth against the run, and they have allowed only one touchdown to a running back so far this season.
Fantasy football Week 6: Start or sit Adrian Peterson?
Peterson’s abrupt trade to Arizona may have dropped his fantasy value even lower.
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Peterson was vocal about his frustrations with a lack of usage in New Orleans. A former standout rusher for the Minnesota Vikings, Peterson had only 27 carries for 81 yards in five games with the Saints. The Cardinals coaching staff has not laid out how it will use Peterson in Arizona, but head coach Bruce Arians plans to not play the veteran back on third downs Sunday.
Fantasy impact: Peterson is going from a bad situation in New Orleans to what could be a worse one in Arizona. The Cardinals offensive line is terrible, the receiving options are over-the-top, and Peterson is not playing third downs. That is a long list of issues to have before even taking a snap. In all likelihood, Peterson is going to struggle to get yards behind a shoddy offensive line against a good defense for a few carries. Then the Cardinals will abandon the run for the pass, and Peterson will just be on the field to block.
