Does Newly-Signed Cardinals RB Alfred Morris Hold Fantasy Value?

Arizona signed the veteran running back to add depth until David Johnson gets 100 percent healthy.

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The Arizona Cardinals signed the 30-year-old Alfred Morris late Tuesday to add depth at the running back position. This move adds to the speculation that David Johnson’s injury is more severe than is being reported by team officials. 

Morris, who has not played a game this season, gives the Cardinals a veteran presence to complement rookie Chase Edmonds, who exploded in Week 7 against the Giants. Edmonds has been solid the past three weeks, as his volume has increased, posting 14-plus PPR fantasy points in each game. In Week 7, Edmonds had his first career 100-yard rushing performance (126) and his first-career multiple touchdown game (3).

Johnson was a limited participant in practice for much of last week, but was active and started Sunday against the Giants. However, the star running back burned fantasy owners after only carrying the ball once for 2 yards. 

The Cardinals could use Morris to back up Edmonds and perhaps see goal-line work if Johnson is out longer than is being reported with his ankle injury, or they could just simply be adding depth. If Arizona decides to sit and rest Johnson over the next several weeks, then Edmonds will be the biggest beneficiary. 

My guess is Morris, who has 5,931 yards and 34 touchdowns in seven NFL seasons, will only give Edmonds a breather during upcoming games and will be off the fantasy radar unless we learn that Johnson will miss significant time.