Cardinals News
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner sustained a season-ending ankle injury during Sunday’s 16-15 loss to the San Francisco 49ers and will require surgery to repair the damage.
Conner was injured during a one-yard carry with 12:26 remaining in the third quarter when he was hit simultaneously by defenders Jordan Elliott and Marques Sigle. The 30-year-old running back’s right ankle bent awkwardly as he was tackled, and he immediately grabbed the injured area after the play was blown dead.
Medical staff quickly attended to Conner as players from both teams knelt around him. He was eventually loaded onto a cart and transported to the locker room while teammates and coaches from both sidelines offered support. The Cardinals initially ruled him out with an ankle injury before more extensive testing revealed the severity of the damage.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Conner suffered a season-ending injury that will require surgery. The injury is considered severe, though the full extent of the damage is still being determined through additional medical testing. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed that Conner will need surgery and is expected to be out indefinitely.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon said after the game that he did not know the severity of the injury, as a prognosis had not yet been made. Quarterback Kyler Murray expressed his disappointment over losing a key teammate and friend. Murray described Conner as a brother and emphasized how difficult it was to see him suffer such a significant injury, given his work ethic and character.
With Conner sidelined for the season, second-year running back Trey Benson is expected to assume the starting role. Benson, who was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, took over primary rushing duties after Conner’s injury and finished with 42 yards on 10 carries. He has logged 83 rushing yards through the first three games of the 2025 season.
Emari Demercado, an undrafted free agent who has served as the team’s primary third-down back, is expected to see an increased role in passing situations. The Cardinals also have practice squad running back Michael Carter available for potential elevation to the active roster.
Conner was coming off consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 2023 and 2024 and signed a two-year contract extension in November 2024. His $3.64 million base salary for this season is guaranteed for injury. At the time of his injury, Conner had nine carries for 22 yards and was Arizona’s leading rusher entering the contest.
The Cardinals face the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football in Week 4, giving the team a short week to adjust their offensive game plan around Benson and the restructured backfield.
