NFL inactives, Week 8, Falcons vs. Cardinals: Ryan Williams, Rashard Mendenhall both inactive for Arizona

The Arizona Cardinals were expected to have starting running back Rashard Mendenhall inactive for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. Many believed that in his absence Ryan Williams would finally be able to dress for the game.

That did not happen, as both teams announced their inactive players. Both Mendenhall and Williams are inactive, meaning that the offense will go with only three running backs -- Andre Ellington, who takes over the starting role, rookie Stepfan Taylor and Alfonso Smith. Ellington is expected to have a much bigger role today, and it appears that Taylor will also.

The other inactives for the team include receiver Brittan Golden, quarterback Ryan Lindley, guard Earl Watford, tight end Kory Sperry and defensive end Ronald Talley.

This means that Nate Potter will be the guard backup again, and that Daryn Colledge is expected to be okay to play.

While it is a smaller deal, there is some significance in Sperry's being inactive. That means that rookie D.C. Jefferson will get a look today. The team gave some extra reps to a few of the rookies like Jefferson during the extended week of practice.

As for Atlanta, running back Jason Snelling, linebacker Stephen Nicholas, guard Harland Gunn, tackle Sam Baker, receiver Roddy White, receiver Brian Robiskie and defensive tackle Travian Robertson.

To replace Baker in the lineup, Lamat Holmes will start at left tackle, while Drew Davis will replace White at receiver.