NFC West: Ryan Williams out for season with shoulder injury

We generally focus on the 49ers here, but sometimes another team has news break that is particularly pertinent. We have such news today. Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt told the assembled media earlier today that running back Ryan Williams suffered a shoulder injury and needs surgery that will end his 2012 season.

The situation leaves the Cardinals with little depth at running back. LaRod Stephens-Howling is the No. 2 running back on the Cardinals depth chart. William Powell is listed third and Alfonso Smith is fourth. There has been some speculation that LSW will be the starter, but I think Powell ends up getting more of the carries moving forward. Beanie Wells could be back by the final quarter of the season, coming off the new in-season injured reserve list.

The Cardinals dropped their first game of the season this past week against the Rams, and this injury puts them in a bit of a bind. There rushing game hasn't been particularly great, so I suppose this could provide an opportunity for one of the other backs to make something happen.

They get the Buffalo Bills this coming week, and given the Bills defensive woes, maybe this is the "tonic" they need. Of course, they follow that up with games at Minnesota and home against the 49ers. We'll see if Kevin Kolb can step up for them.