TEMPE, Ariz. — Back in May, Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians talked about how running back Andre Ellington was going to be the focal point of the team’s offense in the upcoming season.

“I would love to get him 25 to 30 every game,” he said when asked how many touches he was envisioning for the former sixth-round pick.

It was a lofty goal, especially considering that in 2013, Philadelphia’s LeSean McCoy led all running backs with 366 touches, which averaged out to just under 23 per game.

Through 10 games this season, Ellington is averaging 22.7 touches, which he’s turned into 980 all-purpose yards along with five touchdowns.

His 186 rushing attempts are fourth in the NFL, behind DeMarco Murray (244), McCoy (196) and Le’Veon Bell (195), while his 41 receptions are tied for 49th in the NFL among all players, but third among running backs in receptions, trailing Matt Forte (67) and Bell (57).

In total touches, his 227 rank behind Murray (280), Bell (252) and Forte (240).

But Ellington, who has been battling a foot injury all season, has seen his usage increase in recent weeks.

After tallying 18, 16, 21 and 20 touches in the first four games, he’s posted 25, 30, 26, 25, 23 and 23 over the last six.

“A little better,” Ellington said of how he’s feeling. “Like I’ve said before, it’s going to be week by week, I’ll feel better each week. And I’m starting to.”

Ellington said he’s not sure if his increase in touches over the last handful of games is related to his improved health, saying Arians will dial up whatever plays he thinks are best and his job is to go out and execute.

Of course, Arians’ offseason proclamation was more a sign of how he wanted the offense to be built around the running back, who last season as a rookie showed he could be explosive both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield.

Arians said he has no issue with how many times the ball has been handed off to his back.

“I’d still like to see him catch the football more, but carries-wise, yeah, he’s had more than enough,” he said.

So if Ellington’s role is going to increase at all in the final six games of the regular season, odds are it will not be as a runner.

Ellington knows matchups are a big part of his reception total, but knows that’s an area where he can make plays.

“Just kind of get me out in space, that’s where I like to play,” he said. “I’m at my best when I’m in space.”

The Cardinals know they are at their best when Ellington is involved and effective, and there appear to be no plans to lessen his role.

Ellington is perfectly fine with that and will happily take as many touches as he’s given.

“Yeah, I’m always good for that,” he said.

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