Each week I will write about one or more players unfamiliar to many fantasy owners. I will not always recommend them as immediate waiver-wire pickups, but I do recommend knowing who they are and following their weekly progress.

Troy Hambrick, RB, Cardinals

Hambrick is a big, powerful back who can be an effective runner when he's in shape. In 2001, as a backup to Emmitt Smith, Hambrick showed toughness and some niftiness as he averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 113 rushes. He appeared to be the heir apparent to Emmitt, but by the time he took over the job full time in 2003, he was out of shape and much less effective.

Coach Bill Parcells had criticized Hambrick's conditioning leading up to the 2003 season, but the criticism did not inspire Hambrick. He appeared sluggish and tentative, averaging 3.5 yards per carry on 275 rushes. He was released after the season and he signed with the Raiders.

In Oakland, it was the same story. Hambrick showed up to camp out of shape even though the RB position was unsettled, and proceeded to impress no one. He was traded to the Cardinals at the end of August for an undisclosed 2005 draft pick. He was thus reunited with Emmitt Smith, once again as Smith's backup.

Whether it was Denny Green's motivational ability, or the wake-up call of being dumped by two teams in one offseason, or something else - Hambrick seems to have responded well to his most recent change of scenery. He has reportedly lost 18 pounds since arriving in Arizona, and has worked himself into Denny Green's game plan over the past couple weeks. In the last two games, Hambrick has touched the ball 28 times (16 carries, 2 receptions) for 119 total yards and a touchdown.

As Hambrick continues to play himself into better shape, he could become a bigger part of the Cardinals' offense over the second half of the season. He may even get a second shot at being Emmitt Smith's heir.

When he is in shape, Hambrick can hit the hole hard and make yards after contact. He does a decent job of finding the cutback lanes, and can get into the secondary if he picks up a head of steam. He lacks great speed and moves in the open field, and for a power runner he has more of an upright running style than he should. (Although he hasn't been particularly injury-prone because of it.) He also lacks great instincts in the passing game.

But even with his limitations, he could be a nice fit as a durable, power runner behind the Cardinals' oversized offensive line.

For now, the Cardinals will rotate Hambrick in for about 15 touches a game. But if Emmitt Smith is injured or otherwise becomes less effective over the second half of the season, Hambrick might be able to step in and be productive.

The Cardinals' offense in general should improve over the second half of the season: Josh McCown is a young quarterback with physical talent who should get better with experience, and the return of Anquan Boldin to the lineup will give the entire offense a boost.

Hambrick's fantasy value is pretty marginal if you need points right away; but if you can stash him on your bench for a few weeks, he could end up helping you out down the stretch and into the fantasy playoffs.