Arizona Cardinals face challenging season without James Conner
The Arizona Cardinals are bracing themselves for a significant setback as running back James Conner is likely to miss the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury. The injury occurred during the second half of the Week 3 loss against the San Francisco 49ers, where Conner was carted off the field, signaling the severity of the situation.
Injury Details and Impact
Post-game reports indicated that Conner’s injury was serious, but official confirmation is still pending. According to ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss, sources close to the team suggest that the right ankle injury is severe enough to sideline Conner for the rest of the year. While nothing has been finalized, the expectation looms heavy over the Cardinals’ roster.
If Conner is officially ruled out for the season, it opens the door wide for second-year running back Trey Benson. Benson stands to inherit a substantial workload, potentially becoming a central figure in the Cardinals’ offensive game plan moving forward.
Roster Adjustments
In addition to Benson, the Cardinals have other running backs on their roster, including Emari Demercado and Bam Knight, who are poised to step up in Conner’s absence. The team also has Michael Carter on the practice squad, who is likely to be activated to provide a third option in the backfield.
As the Cardinals navigate this challenging situation, the absence of Conner not only affects their running game but also raises questions about the team’s overall playoff aspirations. The ripple effects of this injury will undoubtedly shape Arizona’s strategy in the coming weeks.
NFL Landscape Updates
As the league continues to unfold, other teams are also managing their own injury concerns. Notable updates include CeeDee Lamb from the Cowboys, who has provided a positive report following his Week 3 injury. Meanwhile, George Pickens faced a frustrating moment after a crucial drop against the Bears, and there are significant inquiries regarding the return of Xavier Worthy from injury for the Chiefs.
In this environment of uncertainty, the Cardinals will have to adapt quickly to the loss of Conner, as they look to maintain their competitive edge in a challenging NFL landscape.
