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    On the drawing board: Tony Jefferson of the Arizona Cardinals

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Andre Ellington could find himself bouncing between meeting rooms this fall when the Cardinals prepare for games.

Ellington signed a one-year deal with the team on Monday, and the coaches’ plan as of now is to use Ellington more at receiver than running back, according to a team source.

That’s a departure from the way Ellington was used the previous four seasons but not a surprise. Ellington started working with receivers in practice late last season.

RELATED: Cardinals set RB depth chart as Andre Ellington re-signs

Coach Bruce Arians and quarterback Carson Palmer have consistently raved about Ellington’s ability as a receiver, including his hands and his route-running.

Ellington’s at his best when he’s outside the tackles and in the secondary. With his speed and quickness, he’s a difficult matchup for linebackers and safeties. Running between the tackles is not his strength.

The Cardinals plan is to attempt to play to Ellington’s strength. Ellington will still see action at running back, but Cardinals fans could see him lined up more often as a receiver this fall.

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Ellington gained more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage in his first two seasons, but his playing time dropped the next two years. Part of that was due to injuries, and part of it was due to the arrival of running back David Johnson in 2015.

Last season, Ellington played in all 16 games but had just 34 rushing attempts and caught 12 passes, both career lows. He also didn’t score after recording three touchdowns in each of his first three seasons.

MORE: Arizona Cardinals draft history – running backs

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