A Twist In The Running Back Race
Notebook: Wells hurt in first practice while Hightower solid
By DARREN URBAN
Running back Beanie Wells tries to escape linebacker Gerald Hayes during Saturday's afternoon practice.
FLAGSTAFF ? At Beanie Wells? first practice, Tim Hightower looked sharp.
Hightower looked powerful and drew the oohs and ahhs of the crowd (estimated at between 4,000 and 5,000) on one cutback run during the session. Wells, meanwhile, started with the third-string (Jason Wright was taking the backup role behind Hightower) and had his session end early with an apparent left ankle injury.
Wells was carted from the field before the end of practice after his left leg was rolled up on during a play. His status for Sunday?s lone afternoon practice was unknown.
While Wells is hoping to compete with Hightower for the team?s starting job ? he said earlier in the day his plan is to become ?the number one guy? ? an injury would be a setback, especially considering Hightower is already the starter.
It could also change the dynamic of the rest of the backfield.
?We have a lot of guys fighting for spots,? coach Ken Whisenhunt said.