So far, the season has been marked by three different events for him. He gained 100 yards in the opener, 100 yards in the finale and was benched after the seventh game.

The middle of the season was miserable for James, who lost his starting job to rookie Tim Hightower and didn't even play in three games.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt brought James off the bench last Sunday against the Seahawks. James responded with a productive day that included a 35-yard run, his longest since 2004.

James didn't handle his demotion quietly. He was bitterly disappointed at the demotion and didn't think it was fair. He voiced his opinion about it then let his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, take over.

Rosenhaus acknowledged that they had asked the Cardinals to release or trade James. The Cardinals have refused, with good reason. Hightower was unproven, and the third back, J.J. Arrington, is better suited to third down situations.

Whisenhunt isn't committing to a starter for Saturday's game against Atlanta, but it's hard to see how it won't be James.

"I'm certainly not done with Tim Hightower," Whisenhunt said, "but we'll prepare for Atlanta and see what we feel is the best fit for us."

James, meanwhile, refrained from saying "I told you so" after Sunday's game. He's happy to be back on the field with the playoffs approaching.

"This is when football starts," he said, "Everything is serious."