Field Level Media
22 Sep 2025, 20:10 GMT+10
(Photo credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images)
Cardinals running back James Conner is scheduled for ankle surgery and unlikely to return this season, pushing Trey Benson into a starting role in Arizona.
Conner was carted to the locker room after being tackled in the third quarter of Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He had nine carries for 22 yards in the game and totaled 95 rushing yards in two-plus games this season.
Conner, 30, was hit at the shoulder pads while also being clipped low. Teammates called for trainers and several players on both teams gathered around the two-time Pro Bowler to wish him well as he left the field on a cart.
Benson had 10 carries for 42 yards in the second half of the 16-15 setback.
Benson leads the team with 125 rushing yards on 21 carries and called Conner his role model. He said he plans to pick up the slack for Arizona (2-1).
'I don't have a choice,' he said. 'I'm going to do it for (Conner). He's going to be my motivation for the rest of the year and I can't wait.'
Michael Carter is on the Arizona practice squad and would be a candidate to join the active roster when the Cardinals officially transfer Conner to injured reserve.
Bam Knight and Emari Demercado are the current backups on the 53-man roster. Demercado has been the primary third-down back.
'You just got to regather yourself, try to keep going. Do it for him,' Demercado said.
--Field Level Media
Get a daily dose of Central Coast News news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Central Coast News.
More InformationSANTA CLARA, California: Nvidia is throwing a US$5 billion lifeline to longtime rival Intel, buying a significant stake in the struggling...
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, California: Hyundai Motor will recall more than 568,000 Palisade SUVs in the United States after regulators warned...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are preparing to discuss a possible deal to keep TikTok running...
MENLO PARK, California: Meta Platforms is betting that smart glasses are the next big step in everyday computing, unveiling its first...
LONDON, U.K.: Burberry will look to prove its turnaround strategy is working when it unveils its latest collection at London Fashion...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Americans could soon feel both relief and frustration in their wallets after the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark...
SANTA CLARA, California: Nvidia is throwing a US$5 billion lifeline to longtime rival Intel, buying a significant stake in the struggling...
LOS ANGELES, California: On September 18, U.S. President Donald Trump openly celebrated the suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel,...
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, California: Hyundai Motor will recall more than 568,000 Palisade SUVs in the United States after regulators warned...
MENLO PARK, California: Meta Platforms is betting that smart glasses are the next big step in everyday computing, unveiling its first...
NEW YORK, New York - The chamber of the United Nations Security Council was a study in quiet tension. The polished wood, the horseshoe...
(Photo credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images) Cardinals running back James Conner is scheduled for ankle surgery and unlikely to return...
