Value can be found in Arizona Cardinals' backfield

While I recognize this is not an inspiring topic, fantasy footballers should turn to the Arizona Cardinals' backfield if they are looking for running back help or depth.

Beanie Wells (toe) is on the mend for several more weeks, at least, and Ryan Williams (shoulder) is out for the remainder of 2012. That leaves LaRod Stephens-Howling to pick up the slack as the Cards' primary ball carrier, and he, too, comes with his own injury concerns as he works his way back from a hip strain.

Only the Oakland Raiders have averaged fewer yards per game than the Cardinals, and no team sports a worse team rushing average (2.7 per tote). The backfield has combined for 115 utilizations this season, which isn't a staggering figure by any means, although that breaks down to 23 plays per contest.

LSH will share some work with Alfonso Smith and/or William Powell, since Stephens-Howling isn't capable of a 20-touch workload more than a few times during a season, if at all. Simply stated, understand what you are getting in him. Owners in point-per-reception affairs should be the first in line to acquire LSH's services. He is a shifty yet powerful runner with a compact build (5-foot-7, 185 pounds) and has soft, natural hands. He will do the majority of his damage in open space and through the passing game being used as an extension of the rushing attack. Stephens-Howling is available in 69 percent of leagues polled. Smith could be worth a flier in deep leagues, if you are in desperation mode.

Bonini writes for KFFL.com, a USA TODAY Sports Media Group affiliate