The Arizona Cardinals, who are attempting to fend off the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West, will be without a big part of their offense Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Stud running back Andre Ellington has been ruled out with a hip pointer that he suffered against the Atlanta Falcons last week.
RB Stepfan Taylor (@KULABAFI) will start for the #AZCardinals on Sunday. Andre Ellington (hip) ruled OUT.#KCvsAZ pic.twitter.com/LGFJs6Nn1h
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 5, 2014
The second-year running back from Clemson has tallied over 1,000 total yards in 12 games this season and is seen as one of the team’s most electric playmakers.
Starting in Ellington’s stead will be former Stanford standout Stepfan Taylor, who has failed to impress thus far in his career. He’ll be joined by rookie Marion Grice and newly signed veteran Michael Bush as backfield options for Arizona against a stout Kansas City Chiefs defensive front.
With Ellington now slated to miss this week’s game, the Cardinals are without both their starting quarterback and primary ball carrier. In addition to this, future Hall of Fame wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has missed the last two weeks due to a knee injury. He’s expected to be a game-time decision.
Once 9-1 and in possession of a three game lead in the NFC West, the Cardinals are now one game up on Seattle for the top spot. They need to split their four remaining games to guarantee themselves a playoff spot. And to be brutally honest, that might not be in the cards.
Photo: USA Today