"Ken Whisenhunt wasn't crazy about Beanie Wells' decision to arrive at training camp at about 3 a.m. Saturday, but he sure liked the way the rookie running back looked when he got there.
Wells, who signed a five-year contract Friday night, checked in at 224 pounds, 22 fewer than he weighed when the Cardinals drafted him with the 31st pick in April. It was 14 pounds lighter than he played last year as a junior at Ohio State.
"I definitely want to stay at this weight," Wells said. "I feel a lot faster and quicker. And I don't get tired as much."
But the lighter weight doesn't guarantee against injury, as Wells found out in his first practice. He suffered a left ankle injury during a simple run drill about halfway through practice and left the field on a cart with about 15 minutes remaining. Wells was able to walk after the injury and was to undergo X-rays Saturday night.
Whisenhunt was not available for comment after practice and an update on Wells condition was not available.
Wells lost weight at the Cardinals suggestion, agreeing that less of him might result in more playing time. He blamed his weight gain on a predraft travel schedule that had him meeting, and eating, with several NFL teams.
Now the only thing hefty about Wells is his wallet. Wells' contract is worth $11.8 million, including $6.3 million guaranteed, and one of Wells' agents, Adam Heller, said the fifth year of the contract is a team option.
The player taken behind Wells, Steelers defensive tackle Evander Hood, recently signed a five-year deal worth $11.1 million, including $6.1 million guaranteed.
Wells spent the past few days in Phoenix, nervously awaiting the completion of the deal, which reportedly had been close for a few days. Wells was driven to Flagstaff in the wee hours Saturday, although Whisenhunt tried to talk him into coming later in the morning.
Wells insisted on leaving right away, however, passed a conditioning test a few hours later and participated in his first practice that afternoon.
He ended up missing just two practices.
"He won't be far behind," running backs coach Curtis Modkins said. "
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