News: Receiver Stephen Williams (Achilles) and linebacker Brandon Williams (shoulder) were waived/injured by the Cardinals Friday.
Analysis: Neither player had much Fantasy appeal to begin with. Leave both off rosters.
News: Arizona WR Stephen Williams was targeted three times, catching two passes for 26 yards in Week 17. They were his first receptions since Week 5 against New Orleans. The Cardinals would lose to the 49ers, 38-7, to end the season.
Analysis: Williams finished his rookie year with nine catches for 101 yards. If Steve Breaston signs elsewhere in the offseason, Williams could move up the depth chart with some work. But in terms of Fantasy leagues, Williams is not a player to target on Draft Day in 2011.
News: Arizona wide receiver Stephen Williams said he understands what it means to hit the ominous 'rookie wall.' "I think I got to that point last week. I could feel every part of my body worn down. Now I think I'm on the upswing again. At least I hope so." The first-year player out of Toledo has seven receptions for 75 yards and no touchdowns this season and has not caught a pass since Week 5 against New Orleans.
Analysis: Williams offered minimal Fantasy value this season on a Cardinals team that already boasted star receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston. His season-long struggles, including just one catch in his last six games, should leave him untouched in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Cardinals WR Stephen Williams said doctors have cleared him for contact. Williams sustained a small fracture in his lower back against the Saints on Oct. 10. He missed Sunday's game in Seattle.
Analysis: Williams was a darling in the preseason but hasn't had much of an opportunity to play big in the regular season. That's likely to continue. Keep Williams off of seasonal Fantasy rosters for now.
News: Cardinals WR Stephen Williams, who sustained a minor fracture in his lower back against New Orleans on Oct. 10, said he should be able to play through it. He expects to practice Wednesday.
Analysis: All signs point to Williams playing on Sunday against the Seahawks, but Fantasy owners should continue monitor his status throughout the week. The rookie out of Toledo has caught seven passes for 77 yards through the first five games. Consider him a reserve option at best, heading into Week 7.
News: Cardinals WR Stephen Williams had an MRI on his bruised back, and no additional problems were found. He is not expected to miss any games. The Cardinals are on a bye in Week 6.
Analysis: Williams started in Week 5 against the Saints because of injuries in the Cardinals' receiving rotation. However, he was held to one catch for 6 yards. The back injury might have played a part. It's unfortunate for Williams that injured WRs Steve Breaston and Early Doucet are expected back after the bye, so Williams is still not much of a Fantasy option.
News: Cardinals WR Stephen Williams got the start in Week 5 against the Saints with WRs Steve Breaston and Early Doucet inactive but did not contribute much. He caught just one pass for 8 yards in the 30-20 win. Williams, who was targeted twice in the game, suffered a back contusion when he landed on an opponent's shoe after leaping for a pass. With Arizona headed into their bye week, he's not expected to miss any time.
Analysis: Williams was put in a prime shpt to earn some decent stats in Week 5 but could not capitalize against the Saints. The rookie out of Toledo has caught seven passes for 77 yards through the first five games and should continue to see playing time while Breaston and Doucet are out. He does not have much Fantasy value at this point but could be a sleeper in deeper leagues if he can have a couple of solid performances.
News: Cardinals rookie WR Stephen Williams caught just three passes for 32 yards in the Week 4 loss to the Chargers. Williams started opposite WR Larry Fitzgerald because of he injuries to WRs Steve Breaston and Early Doucet. Williams was targeted eight times.
Analysis: Williams had an opportunity to impact the game but fell short, catching just three of the eight passes intended for him. Depending on the health of Breaston and Doucet, consider Williams a Fantasy reserve at best for the Week 5 game against New Orleans.
News: Cardinals WR Steve Breaston reportedly had surgery to fix a torn meniscus in his knee and will miss a couple of games. That opens the door for rookies Stephen Williams and Max Komar to see significant playing time in his place. The Cardinals play at the Chargers in Week 4.
Analysis: Our hunch is that Williams will get the first crack to start and see passes zip his way. Williams has been targeted 10 times through three games, catching three passes for 37 yards, but his numbers should perk up a bit now that he'll be on the field more. If you're in a pinch for help at receiver this week, you could do worse than Williams, but he's just not expected to be a huge contributor.
News: Cardinals WR Stephen Williams had just one catch for 11 yards in Week 3 against the Raiders. He was targeted twice in the 24-23 victory.
Analysis: Williams displayed some big play ability in the preseason but so far has yet to due so in the regular season. With Early Doucet out for the Cardinals for several more weeks, Williams is in the mix to see more playing time as a third receiving option. However, he can be left on the waiver wire until he starts producing more.
News: Making his NFL debut in Week 2 vs. Atlanta, rookie WR Stephen Williams made two catches for 24 yards. He was actually targeted six times, more than anyone on the Cardinals not named Larry Fitzgerald.
Analysis: Williams displayed his big-play potential in the preseason but didn't show any of it here. With Early Doucet out for the Cardinals for several more weeks, Williams is in the mix to see more playing time as a third receiving option. He's worth a look as a reserve receiver in the deepest of leagues at this point, but huge stats aren't expected.
News: With WR Early Doucet (sports hernia) out, Cardinals rookie Stephen Williams becomes the third receiver in multiple-receiver packages, coach Ken Whisenhunt said Thursday. Whisenhunt has "integrated" Williams into more of the offense since Larry Fitzgerald is still nursing an MCL sprain as well. "You walk a fine line," Whisenhunt said. "You want Larry to be in game shape. The only way to do that is get reps." The Cardinals are at the Falcons in Week 2.
Analysis: Williams was targeted twice in the opener against the Rams but had no catches. However, he could see a few more passes come his way in Week 2 since the Cardinals receiving corps is banged up. We just aren't sure you should bet the farm on Williams having a big week. Fitz is still going to play and Steve Breaston is also ahead of Williams on the depth chart. Williams is still a Fantasy reserve heading into Week 2.
News: Cardinals WR Stephen Williams was targeted two times against the Rams in Week 1 but did not record a catch in the 17-13 victory. The rookie out of Toledo saw more playing time after Early Doucet left with an injury.
Analysis: Williams has the size and speed to be a sleeper this season but has yet to show anything on the field. Keep an eye on the 6-5 wideout but for now, leave him on waivers in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Cardinals rookie WR Stephen Williams continued his fine preseason Saturday, hauling in five catches for 79 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Bears.
Analysis: Williams, a product of Toledo, has clicked very well with QB Derek Anderson so far and could well make the Cardinals 53-man roster as the fourth wide receiver. For now, continue to ignore the youngster in seasonal leagues, but dynasty owners might want to watch his numbers closely throughout his first pro campaign.
News: Arizona WR Stephen Williams, a rookie free agent from Toledo, continues to shine in the preseason. On Monday night against Tennessee in the second preseason game, Williams recorded a 37-yard reception. Williams was involved early and broke out with quarterback Derek Anderson throwing the ball. He ended up leading the Cardinals in receiving yards with 59 on three grabs. "He's learning how to play in this league," coach Ken Whisenhunt said following the game. "He is by no means a finished product, and I think tonight was terrific from the standpoint that he got a number of reps. That's what he needed."
Analysis: Williams is low on Arizona's depth chart at receiver but has already caught five balls for 88 yards in the first two preseason contests. He seems to have a roster spot locked up and is now going for regular-season playing time. However, we find that unlikely and don't recommend owning him in Fantasy play going into the regular season.
News: Cardinals WR Stephen Williams made a nice long catch from QB Matt Leinart in Tuesday's afternoon practice. He caught a pass in the corner of the end zone with a defender right on him. Coach Ken Whisenhunt says what has stood out most about Williams has been the consistency with which Williams has made those big plays.
Analysis: The injury to receiver Larry Fitzgerald should give Williams more opportunities to show what he can do for the Arizona Cardinals. Without question, the undrafted rookie wide receiver from Toledo has been one of the major surprises of the team's training camp, making one big catch after another in practice and emerging as perhaps the leading candidate for the No. 4 receiver spot behind Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston and Early Doucet. Even if he is the Cards' No. 4 wideout this season, Williams won't produce enough to be a factor in Fantasy, especially with Arizona expected to run the ball more than in seasons past. Leave him for the waiver wire.
News: Without question, undrafted rookie WR Stephen Williams from Toledo has been one of the major surprises of the Cardinals' training camp, making one big catch after another in practice and emerging as perhaps the leading candidate for the No. 4 receiver spot behind Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston and Early Doucet. Most recently, it was a long catch from Matt Leinart in the corner of the end zone with the defender right on him in practice on Tuesday afternoon. Coach Ken Whisenhunt says what has stood out most has been the consistency with which Williams has made those big plays.
Analysis: Williams is competing with the likes of Onrea Jones, who has yet to catch a pass in an NFL game, and fellow rookies Andre Roberts and Darren Mougey. Even if he is the Cards' No. 4 wideout this season, Williams won't produce enough to be a factor in Fantasy, especially with Arizona expected to run the ball more than in seasons past. Leave him for the waiver wire.
