Former Northwestern running back Evan Hull rushed for 51 yards on 11 carries in the Cardinals' preseason Week 2 loss to Dallas as he continues fighting for an NFL roster spot.
Former Northwestern running back Evan Hull is continuing to make his case for an NFL roster spot, and he delivered one of his best opportunities yet during the Arizona Cardinals’ preseason Week 2 matchup.
Hull led the Cardinals in rushing during Saturday’s 34-13 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, carrying the ball 11 times for 51 yards while averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He also caught two passes for 14 yards.
It was an efficient performance for Hull, who received the most carries of any Arizona running back and showed he can still provide value when given an opportunity.
Hull’s college career at Northwestern established him as one of the most productive running backs in recent program history.
The Maple Grove, Minnesota, native finished his four-year Northwestern career with 2,417 rushing yards, 851 receiving yards and 22 total touchdowns.
He also became one of the Wildcats’ most dangerous dual-threat backs, including a 2022 season in which he finished with 913 rushing yards and a career-best 546 receiving yards.
Nov 12, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Evan Hull (26) runs the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY SportsThat production eventually led to Hull being selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
His NFL career, however, has not gone according to plan.
Hull suffered a knee injury early in his rookie season and has struggled to find consistent opportunities since entering the league.
He has spent time with Indianapolis, New Orleans and Houston, including a six-game stretch with the Saints in 2025 where he recorded 19 carries for 48 yards. Houston waived him in August before Arizona claimed him and gave him another opportunity.
Now, Hull is trying to make the most of that opportunity in Arizona.
The Cardinals have several running backs competing for roster spots, making every preseason carry important. Hull’s 51-yard performance against Dallas gives him another piece of evidence to put on tape as he attempts to establish himself as a valuable NFL running back.
The result wasn’t what Arizona wanted, but Hull’s performance was still encouraging.
With one preseason game remaining, it will be interesting to see how much the Cardinals continue to involve Hull and whether he can use another strong performance to strengthen his case for a spot on the 53-man roster.
For Hull, the goal is simple.
After dealing with injuries, roster moves and limited opportunities throughout his NFL career, he finally has another chance to show what made him such a productive player at Northwestern.
And after leading the Cardinals in rushing during Week 2, Hull is giving Arizona another reason to keep watching.
