Cardinals put Beanie Wells on I.R.

The Arizona Cardinals put RB Beanie Wells on injured reserve, but they took advantage of a new rule that will allow Wells to return after eight weeks.

The Arizona Cardinals put RB Beanie Wells on injured reserve, but he could return later this year. (US Presswire)

The Arizona Cardinals placed running back Beanie Wells on the injured-reserve/designated-to-return list on Wednesday.

Wells is suffering from turf toe, which caused him to leave Sunday’s win over the Eagles early.

Wells is one of the first players given the opportunity to take advantage to a change in the NFL’s injured-reserve policy. Players who suffer a “major injury” -- defined as one that will keep them off the field for at least six weeks -- can be designated for return when placed on I.R.

The change was made in late August. Steelers guard David DeCastro and Lions cornerback Drayton Florence were also designated for return when placed on injured reserve.

By rule, Wells won't be allowed to practice for six weeks and can’t rejoin the active roster for eight weeks. 

The Cardinals signed RB Alfonso Smith, who played for them last year, to fill Wells’ spot on the roster.

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