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The Arizona Cardinals have made some roster moves and it appears that they are finally doing something about the languishing running game. The team announced the signing of veteran running back Michael Bush on Tuesday.
To make room for Bush, the team released running back Kerwynn Williams, who was promoted from the practice squad when Stepfan Taylor injured his calf.
Bush (6-1, 245) is a seven-year NFL veteran who has played in 89 career games with 20 starts and has 809 carries for 3,250 yards (4.0 yard avg.) and 29 touchdowns to go along with 104 receptions for 1,010 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He played in 15 games with the Chicago Bears last season and had three rushing touchdowns and 197 rushing yards to go along with 48 receiving yards and a touchdown.
He originally entered the league with the Oakland Raiders as a fourth-round selection (100th overall) in the 2007 NFL Draft out of Louisville. After sitting out his rookie season due to a leg injury, Bush played four seasons with Oakland (2008-11) before signing with the Bears in 2012. He was released by Chicago on March 10.
Bush will wear jersey #29.
What does this mean? Steve Keim would not sign a veteran player without the intent of his playing. This means, once he is acclimated to the offense, he will probably step in and take the carries Stepfan Taylor gets. Think of the role Jonathan Dwyer had. He is the bigger back, meant for running between the tackles.
In terms of size, he is big. Dwyer was a big back, but is 5-11, 229. Taylor is 5-9, 214. Bush is 6-1, 245. Even Robert Hughes, who is used like a fullback, is 5-11, 235.
How much playing time will he get? Will Andre Ellington's role be diminished, playing more like he did the second half of last season when he was so effective?
We'll find out more in the days to come.
Interesting fact: It was believed Bush was going to work out for Arizona in the 2012 offseason. I had a source tell me he was on a plane to Arizona to visit the team. It turned out he was here in town to catch some spring training.
In another move, Arizona released tackle Kevin Palmer from the practice squad. That could signal the team will re-sign RB Williams to the squad after he clears waivers.