Cardinals coach Bruce Arians made it clear Wednesday that Rashard Mendenhall is the starting running back heading into training camp. Arians said on the NFL Network that "there's no doubt" that Mendenhall would be the featured back if the season started today.
"He took me personally to a Super Bowl, and I know what he can bring to the table as a runner and a pass protector and also a receiver," Arians said, courtesy of NFL.com. "He's an every-down player. And I think he's looking forward to having an outstanding season."
Arians said Mendenhall is "ready to go" after dealing with complications from his torn ACL at the end of 2011, and he considers Mendenhall a three-down running back. That leaves Ryan Williams as the No. 2 running back heading into training camp, and he's expected to be used in a change-of-pace role.
Rookies Andre Ellington and Stepfan Taylor are clearly behind Mendenhall and Williams on the depth chart.