Talented group of running backs pushing each other in Arizona Cardinals camp

The running back competition in Arizona Cardinals training camp is apparently so good, head coach Kliff Kingsbury and his offensive staff have yet to decide who will be No. 2 behind starter James Conner.

It appears that each of the five candidates — veteran Darrel Williams, improved third-year back Eno Benjamin, special teams standout Jonathan Ward and rookies Keaontay Ingram and T.J. Pledger — have shown Kingsbury something on offense to make the competition for the other roster spots and roles at running back a battle.

"All those guys have had really good camps, whether it’s Darrel, Ward, 'Kea,' obviously we’ve talked about them. And then T.J. has done a really nice job of learning the system and taking advantage of his opportunities," Kingsbury said. "So I’m excited to see how it plays out the next couple of weeks. There will be some tough decisions to make.”

Kingsbury has spoken of keeping four running backs on the 53-man roster in the past. Ingram's play in last week's preseason opener and his showings in practice might have the Cardinals considering five. Any player on the practice squad can be signed to another team's active roster, a risk the Cardinals might not want to take with five of their ball carriers.

Williams has already proven he can run and catch in the NFL, having played a key role in the recent success of the Kansas City Chiefs. Benjamin was highly praised for his offseason work and how it translated to the field in organized team activities earlier in the summer. Ward rushed for two touchdowns and caught two passes in the Cardinals' preseason win at Cincinnati, and Ingram had nine touches and scored a second-half touchdown.

"Just put my best ability on film and you know, whatever happens after that is in God's hands," Ward said. "Just one mistake, or one better play can either put you ahead or behind the competition, you know, so it's just going out every day and giving the best you have."

Despite the competition, the group of running backs is close knit, Ward said.

"You just want to be perfect as much as you can, even though that's not a real thing in this game," Ward said. "You have to enjoy it. The reality of it ...  you're still doing what you dreamed about doing as a kid being in the NFL and stuff like that. Just got to take it with a grain of salt and just realize nothing is ever given, it's always earned."

Ingram has shown some power between the tackles, then a cutback and extra gear when in the open field. The sixth-round draft pick out of USC is often seen listening intently to Conner on the sideline after a run or pass protection play, the Pro Bowler offering feedback for the rookie.

"He's always telling me 'you're a bigger guy, you got the physique, just put it together' you know, and I'm not too far away from it," Ingram said. "He's constantly in my ear. He's like a big bro, you know, and I love that he took me under his wing and anytime he talks, I listen."

Ward also has a lot of respect for Conner and his veteran experience.

"James Conner, he's the older vet in the room. We're all grown men but in a way we look up to him in a big brother aspect, you know, the wisdom, the knowledge that he has for the game," Ward said. "Just seeing him be a Pro Bowler and see him get the contract extension and stuff like that as a running back, everything that he does, he does it right. So just a good figure to have in the room to idolize."

Ingram accepts that special teams could be where he sees the most action in games, if active. It's not something he's used to, but is willing to learn.

Ward made a one-handed catch with the ball between his hand and the helmet of a Dallas Cowboys player last season, after coming back from a scary collision in kickoff coverage against the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 28.

"Could have been, you know, career ending, could have made life even harder after football type of deal. Yeah, I'm just grateful that it didn't go that way," Ward said.

Whoever emerges and wherever they end up on the depth chart, the player who ends up being Conner's primary backup will see plenty of action. Kingsbury found a formula that worked when he split time and touches between Conner and former Cardinal Chase Edmonds, and seems intent to do the same this season.

"I've been really impressed with Eno every time he gets a chance to run the football, and has really improved in the pass game. And then obviously Darrel Williams, bringing him in. He's played in huge games has been very productive in this league. And then Jonathan Ward is a guy that keeps coming as well," Kingsbury said last week. "So we'll see how it all plays out. But I would prefer it be that way then, you know, James get hit 35 times a game and then you try to get through 17 games. That's hard to hard to do."

Get in touch with Jose Romero at Jose.Romero@gannett.com. Find him on Twitter at @RomeroJoseM. 

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Talented group of running backs pushing each other in Cardinals camp