Andre Ellington took umbrage at the view circulating last season that he could not be a team's primary running back.The Cardinals agree it's a silly notion; they plan to give Ellington 18-22 touches per game, according to the team's website.

Ellington's debut as a feature back comes Monday night against the Chargers.

"I am very confident," said Ellington, who at 5-9, 203 pounds says he's stronger than last year. "Last year I wasn't aware of what my role would be on the team. Now I have got kind of an idea. I am approaching the year a lot differently."

Ellington will get the ball on handoffs, tosses, and swing passes. He'll operate out of the slot and line up wide, the website said. "It's fun creating things with a player like him," coach Bruce Arians said.

Arians saw enough last season to know Ellington is special. He averaged an NFL-high 5.5 yards per carry, broke off eight runs of 20-plus yards and averaged 9.5 yards on his 39 receptions.

In Week 1, Ellington faces a middle-of-the-pack run defense. Start him as an RB1.

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