The Arizona Cardinals rolled into Arlington to face the Dallas Cowboys with only one healthy running back left on the roster: veteran Tyler Allgeier. This wasn’t just some sideline update, it became the entire story in their nail-biting 33-30 road victory, with Allgeier absolutely going off for 147 yards and two clutch touchdowns. He wasn’t just a part of the win, he was the guy carrying the whole squad.
The Game Day Rollercoaster
Talk about going from bad to worse, then having one guy literally save the day. Rookie Jeremiyah Love was supposed to be ready to play against the Cowboys, but an ankle re-injury sidelined him before he could even contribute. Then Bam Morris, who was RB3 for the game, took a brutal helmet-to-helmet hit from Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown and had to leave the field. Morris even fumbled on that play with only 21 seconds left in the first half, a turnover that nearly cost them when Dallas drove into field goal range, though their kicker hooked it right. Neither Love nor Morris returned, leaving Allgeier as the last man standing. And boy, did he stand tall. He busted a 63-yard touchdown run with less than a minute left in the third quarter. Then, on his very next carry, he ripped off a 52-yarder. Normally, after runs like that, you expect a guy to catch his breath on the sideline for a few plays. Not Allgeier. He was right back in the huddle, taking a four-yard carry up the middle the very next play. Unbelievable workload.
From “No Problem” to Major Problem
It’s wild to think where this team started. The Cardinals went into training camp with their running back room hyped as “no problem” and “stacked” with serious talent. There were even rumors they might *trade* one of their guys, that’s how deep it was perceived. They had James Conner, who was thought to be close to returning, same for Trey Benson. Bam Knight got re-signed in March, Corey Kiner was under contract, and then they drafted Love with the third overall pick. Allgeier himself was a “splash” free agency move, eyed as the new starting back after his successful seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, before Love even joined the team. In August, they picked up Evan Hull off waivers, and he looked good in preseason. Tre Stewart was signed mid-August. The room was bursting with options.
But man, how things change. That “spectacular display of talent” with Love, Allgeier, Conner, and Benson? It just fell apart. Knight was pegged as a kickoff returner. Kiner got traded to the Patriots. Stewart was a last-day cut. Conner ended up on IR. Hull was signed to the practice squad. And Benson, after being waived, reverted to the team and landed on the IR/injury list. Suddenly, the Cardinals are in a situation no team wants: relying on a single back to handle every single carry.
The Cardinals simply can’t keep going into games with just one running back. It’s a huge risk and a massive ask for Allgeier to carry that kind of load every week. They’ve got to figure out how to get some healthy bodies back or find some help, and fast. You have to wonder what they’re looking at to reinforce that room. This is a situation that needs addressing immediately if they want to keep winning.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Revenge of the Birds.
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