The Cardinals have signed free agent running back Michael Bush to their 53-man roster, according to Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com (via Twitter). Bush will replace fellow running back Kerwynn Williams, whom the team waived in a corresponding move.
Bush, 30, started his career with the Raiders, and spent the last two seasons in Chicago, serving as Matt Forte‘s backup, as well as a goal-line and short-yardage option for the Bears. After recording career-worst marks in carries (63), rushing yards (197), and yards per carry (3.1) last season, Bush was released by Chicago in March, and has been a free agent since then — despite his layoff from the NFL, the Cards presumably feel he’s still in football shape and can contribute down the stretch.
While Andre Ellington is the Cardinals’ primary back, Ellington isn’t exactly a bruiser, and has struggled in a featured role for Arizona this season, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry. No other back on the team has received more than 25 rushing attempts in 2014, so it made sense that the Cards were on the lookout for a reliable No. 2 option, particularly one with some size. The team reportedly placed a waiver claim on Ben Tate last week, but lost out to the Vikings.
Jonathan Dwyer came into the ’14 season as the Cards’ backup to Ellington, but was placed on the non-football illness list after a domestic incident.
Fantastic news for Michael … and Arizona!