Stephens-Howling is visiting the Steelers on Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette reports.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling would be an interesting fit on a Pittsburgh team that has two bigger backs ( Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman) atop its depth chart at the moment. He could also serve as a kick returner, as the Steelers' two most experienced returners are the team's top two wide receivers. The Steelers have shown that they are willing to use Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders on special teams, but they would probably prefer not to, especially for kickoff returns. As for Stephens-Howling, he already received a contract offer to return to Arizona, so the Steelers may need to top that proposed deal.

Stephens-Howling was offered a contract last week by the Cardinals but has opted to test free agency, which begins Tuesday, the Arizona Republic reports.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling appeared in 14 games last season, accumulating 110 carries for a team-high 356 yards and four touchdowns, to go with 17 catches for 106 yards. The jettisoning of Beanie Wells on Monday has opened up the running back situation even more in Arizona, but it appears that Stephens-Howling will instead see what kind of gig he can find on the free-agent market.

Stephens-Howling finished 2012 as the Cards' leading rusher with 357 yards, while also rushing for four touchdowns. He also caught 17 passes for 106 yards.

Analysis: LSH entered 2012 as the team's third-down back, but soon saw himself pressed into duty when both Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams went down. Stephens-Howling had a few strong games as the feature back, including a 127-yard day against Atlanta, but he would eventually cede carries to William Powell as the season continued. Stephens-Howling is an unrestricted free agent heading into this offseason, and it will be interesting to see who makes him an offer to be their third-down back.

Stephens-Howling had only two touches, for zero total yards, in Sunday's loss to the Jets.

Analysis: With Beanie Wells back from injury, Stephens-Howling loses all fantasy value.

Stephens-Howling did not appear on Arizona's injury report Wednesday.

Analysis: With Beanie Wells back in the fold in Week 12, Stephens-Howling had just one carry for one yard after leading the Cardinals in rushing four weeks in a row. However, Wells was limited in Wednesday's practice with a knee injury, which could potentially open the door for Stephens-Howling's typical production of late this Sunday against a Jets defense that has allowed 146.7 rushing yards per game since their Week 9 bye.

Stephens-Howling appeared to be having issues with his sore ribs in Sunday's loss to the Rams, the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: As evidence, Stephens-Howling only had one carry in Sunday's game, with William Powell seeing added touches as a result. In any case, with Beanie Wells now back to head the Cards' backfield, Stephens-Howling's stretch of fantasy relevance appears to be over for now.

Stephens-Howling (ribs) had one carry for one yard and did not catch a pass on one target Sunday against the Cardinals.

Analysis: An extremely surprising outcome for Stephens-Howling, who was expected to share the backfield duties with Beanie Wells, only to see the latter finish with 17 carries and two touchdowns. Any thought that Stephens-Howling could get a fair share of the backfield touches seems to be out the window now that Wells is back.

LaRod Stephens-Howling: (Ribs) Active Sunday

Stephens-Howling (ribs) is active for Sunday's game against the Rams, according to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling has scored three times in the last four weeks, but he will lose some carriers to Beanie Wells (toe), who will return to action this week. A banged-up, carry-sharing Stephens-Howling is a risky fantasy option - especially with quarterback Ryan Lindley making his first career start and Wells opening the season ahead of him on the depth chart - but he will be in uniform Sunday.

Stephens-Howling (ribs) is expected to play Sunday against the Rams, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Analysis: We'll verify Stephens-Howling's status leading up to Sunday's game against the Rams, but the return of Beanie Wells to the Cards' RB mix suggests a potential backfield time-share this week, assuming LSH in fact gives it a go.

Wells limits Stephens-Howling value

In his Week 12 "Start 'Em, Sit 'Em" analysis, Michael Fabiano notes, "A fantasy star last week, the small but effective Stephens-Howling scored over 20 fantasy points against the Atlanta Falcons. His role is about to shrink, though, as Beanie Wells is scheduled to return from an extended absence." FULL START 'EM, SIT 'EM

Analysis: That means Stephens-Howling will move back into a committee role. The Rams don't have a good run defense, but "the Hyphen" is a risk.

Stephens-Howling (ribs) is questionable for Sunday's game against St. Louis, AZCardinals.com's Darren Urban reports.

Analysis: LSH was limited in practice all week and is therefore mostly expected to play Sunday, but the injury appears likely to limit his workload, particularly with Beanie Wells (toe) back in the lineup.

Stephens-Howling (ribs) was limited in practice Thursday, the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling has been limited each of the past two days, and with Beanie Wells' (toe) activation this week, the running back picture is currently blurry. Friday's injury report should clear it up somewhat, hopefully.

LaRod Stephens-Howling: (Ribs) Limited Wednesday

Stephens-Howling (ribs) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Stephens has led Arizona in rushing each of the past four games, but with Beanie Wells (toe) activated off injured reserve Wednesday, the running back situation could become increasingly murky. The week of practice should hash out who earns the bulk of the carries, though it wouldn't surprise us if coach Ken Whisenhunt sticks with the hot hand.

Stephens-Howling had 22 carries for 127 rushing yards and a touchdown, as well as two catches on four targets for six receiving yards Sunday against the Falcons.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling cut up a Falcons' defense that was ranked 25th in the NFL against the run heading into Sunday. However, the good times may be coming to an end for Stephens-Howling and his fantasy owners, as Beanie Wells has returned from IR and is expected to regain his starting job for Week 12 against the Rams.

Cardinals backfield struggling

In his "Week 11 Predictions" analysis, Elliot Harrison notes, "Ken Whisenhunt's offense is dead last in the league in rushing yards with just 76.2 per game. Unfortunately, running the ball is precisely what the underdogs need to do to slow down Atlanta's track-meet-style offense." FULL WEEK 11 PREDICTIONS

Analysis: With the Cardinals likely playing from behind, fantasy owners shouldn't expect much from lead back LaRod Stephens-Howling this week.

Stephens-Howling had 17 carries for 51 rushing yards and a touchdown, as well as two catches on four targets for eight receiving yards Sunday against the Packers.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling owns the Cardinals' backfield right now, getting 17 of the 18 carries Sunday (William Powell got the lone other one). He's been very up-and-down since taking over as the starter but those who have taken the ride with him will have to find an alternative next week as the Cardinals have a bye.

Stephens-Howling carrying the load

Stephens-Howling carried the ball 17 times for 51 yards and a touchdown against the Packers on Sunday. WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Analysis: The Pittsburgh product yielded only one carry to William Powell. He should be expected to be the featured back moving forward.

Stephens-Howling had eight carries for six yards in the Cards' loss to the 49ers on Monday.

Analysis: LSH was stuffed before he even reached the line of scrimmage on nearly all of his runs, a testament to how much the 49er defensive line dominated the Cards' depleted o-line. Little seems to be changing on that front, so LSH would be a spotty fantasy option at best at this point, and only against poor defensive lines.

Stephens-Howling carrying the load

In his Targets and Touches analysis, fantasy expert Jason Smith notes "LaRod Stephens-Howling totaled 24 touches Sunday as part of his 105-yard rush day. It certainly seems like he's the lead dog in the backfield and should be one of your top waiver wire pickups of the week." READ: TARGETS AND TOUCHES

Analysis: Temper expectations this week as he faces a 49ers defense which has been stout against the run, allowing just two rushing scores this season.

Stephens-Howling had 20 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Vikings. He also added four catches on five targets for 45 receiving yards.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling dominated the touches out of the Cardinals' backfield, which certainly frustrated those that jumped on William Powell prior to the game. It was by far the diminutive back's best game this season, although a repeat next week is unlikely with a Monday night matchup against the 49ers.

Stephens-Howling (hip) had 11 carries for 22 yards in the Cards' loss to the Bills on Sunday.

Analysis: LSH struggled, while backup William Powell had 13 carries for 70 yards. Look for Powell to get the start heading forward.

Stephens-Howling (hip) will start Sunday against the Bills, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Some form of a workload split is expected between Stephens-Howling and William Powell, but it's unclear just how the Arizona coaches will distribute the carries in Week 6.

Powell the back to like in Week 6

In his Like/Dislike analysis, fantasy expert Adam Rank notes "Billy Powell is the Cardinals' running back to like this week. The matchup against the Bills is fantastic." FULL LIKE/DISLIKE ANALYSIS

Analysis: The Bills have allowed the third-most fantasy points to running backs this year, and have allowed an NFL-leading seven rushing touchdowns to running backs.

AZCardinals.com expects Stephens-Howling (hip) to be the Arizona running back "under the spotlight" against Buffalo on Sunday.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling has a good chance to start, if only out of veteran respect, but his long history of fragility may limit his work as a runner. We expect the bigger William Powell to steal carry attempts, while LSH is the superior player on passing downs.

Stephens-Howling (hip) is probable for Sunday's game against Buffalo, AZCardinals.com reports.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling can make some plays and he has an opportunity for more playing time with Ryan Williams (shoulder) out, but he figures to have his workload very limited due to the lack of durability he's demonstrated in his career.

Stephens-Howling (hip) was a full participant in practice Thursday, the Arizona Republic reports.

Analysis: The full participation is an encouraging sign for Stephens-Howling, who was limited in Wednesday's practice. It now appears increasingly likely he'll be active for Sunday's game and he should see a healthy amount of carries as the expected starter with Ryan Williams and Beanie Wells dealing with long-term injuries.

Powell a Week 6 sleeper

Fantasy expert Adam Rank ranks Powell as a Week 6 sleeper, noting the Bills defense "has allowed the third-most points to fantasy running backs." FULL SLEEPERS LIST

Analysis: La'Rod Stephens-Howling is going to be in the mix, but the highest upside guy is Powell. Consider him a decent flex option if you're studs are off due to the bye week.

LaRod Stephens-Howling: (Hip) Believes He'll Play Sunday

Stephens-Howling (hip) believes that he'll play Sunday against Buffalo, the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: More importantly, though, Stephens-Howling was moving around well in practice Wednesday, according to AZCentral Sports. With Ryan Williams undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery and Beanie Wells out until November 25, the No. 1 running back gig in Arizona is up for grabs. If he can go this weekend, Stephens-Howling will share the load with William Powell and Alfonso Smith.

Williams out for the season

Coach Ken Whisenhunt announced Monday that Williams will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury suffered against the Rams, according to the team's website. A second round pick in the 2011 draft, Williams missed all of his rookie season with a torn Achilles' tendon. FULL REPORT

Analysis: With Beanie Wells on the IR and LaRod Stephens-Howling also battling injuries, William Powell could be the back the Cardinals turn to for help in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills.

Stephens-Howling (hip) is expected to return on Sunday and should se a significant number of carries with Ryan Williams (shoulder) on IR, according to AZCardinals.com.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling will split carries with William Powell and Alfonso Smith. Last season LSH gained 93 yards on 21 carries starting the final game of the regular season, so we would expect him to get first crack at the starting spot.

Stephens-Howling (hip) is inactive for Thursday's contest at St. Louis.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling's absence bumps William Powell up a notch Thursday, as he'll back up Ryan Williams, with Beanie Wells out.

Stephens-Howling (hip) is questionable for Thursday's contest at St. Louis, the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: With Beanie Wells on IR due to a turf toe injury, Ryan Williams should dominate the carry situation, unless of course Stephens-Howling is able to suit up Thursday. However, he'll likely be a game-time decision.

Stephens-Howling (groin) was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice, Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reports.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling, who missed Week 4's win over the Dolphins, is considered a game-time decision for Thursday's game against the Rams. The Cardinals could use him, as they are thin at RB with Beanie Wells (toe) on IR.

Stephens-Howling (groin) did not practice Monday, according to Darren Urban.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling faces a short week in which to get ready, as the Cards play St. Louis on Thursday night. William Powell saw a few carries in LSH's absence last week, and could again this week.

Stephens-Howling (groin) is inactive for Sunday's game against Miami.

Analysis: With both Beanie Wells and Stephens-Howling out, Ryan Williams is presumably in line for a busy day Sunday.

Stephens-Howling (groin) is doubtful for Sunday's game against Miami, AZCardinals.com's Darren Urban reports.

Analysis: With Stephens-Howling likely out, Ryan Williams will have a potentially big burden to carry against a tough Miami run defense.

Stephens-Howling (groin) did not practice Thursday, the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling has moved up a peg thanks to Beanie Wells' injury, but he's still clearly behind Ryan Williams in the Cards' RB pecking order.

Stephens-Howling (groin) did not practice Wednesday, the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Following Beanie Wells' (toe) placement on the IR on Wednesday, Stephens-Howling is in line to take over the No. 2 running back gig behind Ryan Williams. Stephens-Howling has been stuffed in his limited action, though, gaining just one yard on 12 carries and catching two balls for 14 yards through three games. No matter, watch his status throughout the week as he likely just gained fantasy relevance.

Stephens-Howling (groin) rushed for four yards and a touchdown, while also catching one pass for four yards in the Cards' win over the Seahawks on Sunday.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling may pick up a few more vulture touchdowns as the Cards haven't found a reliable red zone running back, but he won't see consistent enough touches to become a regular fantasy factor.

Stephens-Howling (groin) is active for Sunday's game against Seattle.

Analysis: Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams are active Sunday as well, which limits Stephens-Howling's fantasy upside to start the season.

Stephens-Howling (groin) is probable for Sunday's game against Seattle, AZCardinals.com reports.

Analysis: LSH will play in his usual role as a kick return playmaker while perhaps catching a few passes out of the backfield.

Stephens-Howling (groin) was limited in practice on Wednesday, according to the Arizona Republic.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling is expected to play, and the Cards have expressed a desire to get him the ball more often in one-on-one matchups with linebackers and safeties. He will also return kicks for Arizona.

Stephens-Howling (groin) is inactive for Thursday's preseason game, the Cardinals' official website reports.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling is sitting out to prevent further damage to his groin, which he pulled last week. He's poised to be the team's No. 3 running back, but given the injury histories of Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams, even a minor injury for Stephens-Howling is noteworthy.

Stephens-Howling is dealing with a groin pull, Arizona Republic writer Kent Somers reports.

Analysis: It doesn't look like the injury is much of a concern at the moment, but the Cardinals will be very careful with LSH since Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams both have serious knee concerns.

Stephens-Howling had four carries for 25 yards in the Cards' preseason loss to the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling is entrenched at No. 3 on the Cards' running back depth chart, but if both Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams continue to have injury limitations, Stephens-Howling could see more than his customary third-down work.

Stephens-Howling is expected to sign his second-round RFA tender Monday, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling had a bigger impact on the team's passing game (13 receptions for 234 yards) than he did the run game (167 yards) despite the absence of rookie Ryan Williams. Assuming that Williams is 100 percent heading into the 2012 season, Stephens-Howling's role in the backfield will keep him off fantasy radar screens as he makes his primary contributions in the return game.

Arizona placed a second-round tender on Stephens-Howling, a restricted free agent, AZCardinals.com reports.

Analysis: LSH ran for 93 yards on just 21 carries against Seattle in his lone audition as a feature runner last year, but he'll more likely continue to specialize as a dangerous kick returner and pass-catcher for the Cardinals.

Stephens-Howling had 21 carries for 93 yards in Sunday's overtime win against the Seahawks.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling was easily the Cardinals' leading rusher with Beanie Wells (knee) inactive. It's somewhat surprising that Stephens-Howling failed to have a reception, though, considering John Skelton attempted 40 passes. Still, this was a very nice showing for LSH.

LaRod Stephens-Howling: Active Sunday

Stephens-Howling (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reports. He is also listed as the starter at running back for the Cards in Week 17.

Analysis: With Beanie Wells inactive, Stephens-Howling will see more carries than usual. At the very least, he'll be out there in his usual third-down and kick return role, but offering a last-minute replacement of sorts for those scrambling to replace Wells.

Stephens-Howling (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against Seattle.

Analysis: LSH should be on the field for his usual role, which is primarily as a kick returner, given that he was a limited practice participant all week.

Stephens-Howling (hamstring) is active for Saturday's game against the Bengals, Darren Urban of the Cards' official site reports.

Analysis: As you know by now, most of his value comes from his efforts in the kick return game, but Stephens-Howling could see a few pass-catching opportunities out of the backfield and is a lottery ticket at the running back spot if you're scrambling to find an option for Week 16.

Stephens-Howling (hamstring) was a limited practice participant all week and is questionable for Saturday's game against Cincinnati.

Analysis: Those in return-yardage leagues should expect LSH to be in the lineup Saturday.

Stephens-Howling (shoulder) became the unlikely hero in Sunday's OT win over Dallas, taking his lone reception of the game 52 yards for the winning touchdown.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling also added two carries for 16 yards in the win. He boasts just 17 rushes for the entire season, so he's unlikely to be on many fantasy radar screens.

Stephens-Howling (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against the Rams, the Cards' official site reports.

Analysis: His value is tied mostly to what he provides in the kick return game, so fantasy owners should plan accordingly based on their scoring system.

Stephens-Howling (shoulder) is probable for Sunday's game against St. Louis.

Analysis: LSH practiced fully all week, so his presence Sunday is a lock for his return-yardage league owners.

Stephens-Howling (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against San Francisco, Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reports.

Analysis: His role in the Cards' offense is limited, so his value rests mostly in leagues that reward kick return yardage.

Stephens-Howling (shoulder) is probable for Sunday's game against San Francisco.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling will be ready for Sunday, so feel free to use him if he's an option for you in return-yardage leagues.

Stephens-Howling (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Darren Urban of the Cards' official site reports.

Analysis: Most of his impact will likely come in the kick return game, but Stephens-Howling could also spell Beanie Wells on occasion Sunday.

Stephens-Howling (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against Philadelphia.

Analysis: He practiced in a limited capacity all week, so expect to see him on the field. He has been playing through questionable tags for weeks now.

Stephens-Howling (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against St. Louis.

Analysis: Stephens-Howling is unlikely to ever get more than a few touches on offense, but feel free to roll with him if he has some sort of utility in your return-yardage league.

Stephens-Howling (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against St. Louis.

Analysis: Despite the questionable designation, Stephens-Howling was a limited practice participant all week and is generally expected to be available Sunday.

Stephens-Howling (shoulder) was limited in Thursday's practice, the Cardinals official site reports.

Analysis: He should be able to suit up in Week 9 and gets a nice matchup against the Rams, but his role will likely be limited with Beanie Wells expected to get the majority of the carries.