The Arizona Cardinals placed running back Beanie Wells on the injured reserve-designated to return list with turf toe Wednesday.
The new NFL rule allows Wells to return this season, but he must remain on the list for at least six weeks unable to practice and is not eligible to return to the active roster for at least eight weeks.
Wells suffered the injury during Sunday's 27-6 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. He had eight carries for 18 yards before leaving with the injury.
The four-year veteran is coming off the lone 1,000-yard season of his career, amassing 1,047 yards and 10 touchdowns on 245 carries through 14 games in 2011.
Arizona re-signed running back Alfonso Smith to take Wells' spot on the roster.
Smith appeared in 15 games last season with the Cardinals, collecting 102 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries.
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