Ryan Williams Ruptures Patellar Tendon, Likely Out for Season
According to head coach Ken Whisenhunt, Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Ryan Williams has “probably” suffered a torn patellar tendon, and is likely done for the season.
Williams, drafted in the second round out of Virginia Tech, had been working with the Cards’ second and third-teams throughout training camp. He was carted off the field after the injury occurred during the third quarter of Arizona’s preseason tilt with the Green Bay Packers Friday evening.
This is a true shame, because after the departure of Tim Hightower earlier in the offseason, Williams had a great chance to earn himself significant playing time out of the Cardinals’ backfield with a good performance during the preseason.
Now, with Beanie Wells seemingly the only semi-reliable back in Arizona, depth is a concern.
Fantasy Impact
Obviously, if his patellar tendon is indeed ruptured, Williams is no longer a relevant fantasy player for 2011. As bad as it sounds, though, the injury is a boost to the value of Beanie Wells.
Wells has underperformed through two injury-riddled NFL seasons thus far, but he’s too young to completely write-off just yet. The loss of Williams (once made official) potentially makes Wells a solid RB2 in fantasy football for 2011.
