Quick, elusive, and perseverant with the ball in his hands. Explosive in the open field and is a regular threat to go all the way when he gets open (making him especially effective in the return game). Can catch the ball well out of the backfield. A good gunner on return coverage.
Flaws:
Very undersized, in both height and bulk. Not a consistent yard-gainer as a featured back, as he significantly lacks power and punch for running up the middle and too often tries to get outside.
Career Potential:
Quality return man & inconsistent tailback.
Movements & Injuries
2013
4/26/2013
Signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers to a one-year contract.
2012
4/16/2012
Re-signed as a restricted free agent by the Arizona Cardinals to a one-year contract.
3/09/2012
Contract tendered by the Arizona Cardinals.
2009
6/10/2009
Signed by the Arizona Cardinals to a three-year contract.
Career Transactions
2013
4/26/2013
Signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
2009
4/26/2009
Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 7th round (240th overall) in 2009.
Steelers signed RB/KR La'Rod Stephens-Howling to a one-year contract.
Jason La Canfora on Twitter
Stephens-Howling visiting Steelers Wednesday | 04/03/2013 9:03 AM
News
Free agent RB La'Rod Stephens-Howling is visiting the Steelers Wednesday.
Ed Bouchette on Twitter
Impact
The Steelers currently only have plodders (Jonathan Dwyer, Isaac Redman, Baron Batch) in the their backfield. The 5'7/185 Stephens-Howling could fill a scatback role and pitch in on kick returns. "Hyphen" is from Johnstown, Pa. and played his college ball at Pitt.
Cardinals won't be bringing back LSH | 03/11/2013 6:00 PM
News
The Cardinals made free agent RB La'Rod Stephens-Howling an offer last week, but it reportedly "wasn't close" to what he was seeking.
Arizona Republic
Impact
Stephens-Howling may be overrating his potential market. At 5'7/185, he's just a luxury third-down back and return man for a creative NFL team. At this point, the Arizona republic does not expect LSH back with the Cardinals. They appear prepared to roll with Ryan Williams plus a back they add via free agency or the draft.
Lions interested in three backup backs | 03/10/2013 1:15 PM
News
MLive.com says to "keep your eye on" free agent RBs La'Rod Stephens-Howling, Danny Woodhead, and Felix Jones for the Lions.
MLive.com
Impact
All three players would be fallback plans if the Lions swing and miss on Reggie Bush or if Bush's salary demands prove to be too high. Stephens-Howling showed in 2012 he can carry some of the load, and he would be a nice, cheap alternative. Woodhead is likely looking to re-up in New England, while Jones is too injury-prone for the Lions' tastes.
No talks between Arizona and Stephens-Howling | 02/23/2013 12:34 PM
News
The agent for unrestricted free agent RB La'Rod Stephens-Howling saids last time he talked to team, Rod Graves was GM.
Ken Somers on Twitter
Impact
Graves was relieved of his GM duties nearly two months ago, so it comes as a bit of a surprise that the new regime hasn't reached out to Stephens-Howling's camp. While "Hyphen" is expected to re-sign with Arizona, this news certainly places his future with the team in question.
New Cardinals coach Bruce Arians doesn't plan to heavily utilize his running backs as pass catchers.
azcardinals.com
Impact
"They are back there because they are runners and pass protectors," Arians said. "Will we throw to the backs? Yeah. But the receivers are the ones paid to catch it." How the Cardinals' running back corps will look in 2013 remains a mystery, but this is something to file away if you're a La'Rod Stephens-Howling owner in a Dynasty league. A free agent, "Hyphen" is expected to re-up in Arizona.
Cards could have interest in re-signing LSH | 02/18/2013 7:33 PM
News
AzCardinals.com thinks La'Rod Stephens-Howling is near the top of the list of the team's own free agents they'd like to re-sign.
azcardinals.com
Impact
Beat writer Darren Urban names Stephens-Howling and CB Greg Toler as the team's key free agents, and he notes that the old regime was interested in re-signing the diminutive back. "Hyphen" started five games at running back last season, and he didn't make a fool of himself, as he rushed for 356 yards and four touchdowns behind an abysmal offensive line.
