Big Red
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- Mar 16, 2019
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If Drake misses action, backup Chase Edmonds will assume the starting role. He is averaging 6.1 yards per carry and is third on the team in receiving yards in limited action, so there is belief he can fill in capably.
The depth would be tested, as the mostly-unproven trio of D.J. Foster, Eno Benjamin and Jonathan Ward are the other options on the roster. Kingsbury said there is not a clear No. 2 choice if the Cardinals need someone to complement Edmonds.
"I'd say at this point it would be a group effort," Kingsbury said. "They all bring something unique. We like all three guys, obviously. That's why they are here. I wouldn't say there is one we're leaning towards over the other two. We'll have a competition between those guys and see who practices the best, and then kind of take it from there."
Drake has been a workhorse in the backfield this season, carrying the ball 119 times for 512 yards and four touchdowns at an average of 4.3 yards per carry. He was dominant for the Cardinals in eight games a year ago, and that splendid stretch resulted in a transition tag after the season. Drake is currently not under contract for 2021.
He wasn't the only Cardinals player to get injured in the game. Defensive end Zach Allen went out early with an ankle injury, and defensive tackle Jordan Phillips exited later with a hamstring issue. Recently-signed outside linebacker Isaiah Irving was placed on a stretcher and carted off after injuring his neck on a kickoff.
Inside linebacker Jordan Hicks also did not play at the end of the fourth quarter and overtime with an unspecified injury.
"We're still working through a lot of them, so I don't have much as far as detailed reports," Kingsbury said. "It was a physical game. There were some guys that were banged up. The bye is coming at a good time, that's for sure."
The Cardinals are also hoping to get safety Jalen Thompson (ankle) and tight end Maxx Williams (ankle) back off injured reserve after the bye. Neither has played since the season opener against the 49ers. The Cardinals' next game is Nov. 8 against the Dolphins.
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