INGLEWOOD, Calif. — James Conner exited Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams with frustration, as the Arizona Cardinals running back faced injury woes yet again. This time, it was the same knee injury, which had already plagued him earlier this week and cast doubt on his availability for the game.
After two weeks of solid performance, including surpassing the 1,000-yard milestone for the second consecutive season, Conner found himself sidelined, replaced momentarily by Michael Carter for the majority of the Cardinals’ third offensive drive. Despite the struggle, Conner briefly re-entered for a pivotal fourth-and-1 rush attempt but was stuffed short, showcasing the challenges faced by Arizona's offensive line.
Conner had been battling knee discomfort throughout the game and as the Cardinals began their next drive, he was spotted on the sideline trying to walk off the pain. His efforts appeared futile when he eventually sat down and was examined by Cardinals trainers, signaling his condition was too severe to continue. Riding the exercise bike for a brief time, Conner's presence on the sidelines became a symbol of concern for the team and its fans.
Prior to this game, Conner’s injury had already forced him to exit during the third quarter of their last matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Despite not returning to the field, he never left the sidelines, raising alarms over potential complications with his knee. Such circumstances have left the Cardinals relying heavily on alternative offensive strategies.
With Conner named questionable for the remainder of the game, the team turned to backup running backs Michael Carter and DeeJay Dallas. They were now entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining Arizona's offensive output against the Rams, who were leading the game 7-0 at the time of Conner’s exit.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon had expressed high expectations for Conner earlier this season, praising his skills and versatility. “You guys kind of know we have some different variety in the run game and he can really do it all. He can run wide zone, he can run inside zone, he can run gap schemes, and he can do it from gun, from under, from pistol,” he had said. Gannon emphasized Conner’s importance, declaring, “He’s got good vision, he’s got good balance, he’s hard to bring down, he’s got juice. He’s doing a good job.”
Conner’s absence presented more than just immediate tactical shifts to the Cardinals offense; it raised questions about the durability of their running game moving forward. The Cardinals have leaned heavily on Conner's skills, and without him, they face the added challenge of facing stiff competition from various NFL defenses.
Despite the initial optimism surrounding Conner's recovery, his knee injury highlights both the physical toll of the game and the fragility of the Cardinals’ offensive strategy. With the playoffs approaching, concerns are growing about whether Conner can return to form before the season wraps up.
Currently trailing the Rams, the Cardinals find themselves compelled to adapt their playstyle and reinvigorate their offensive approach, especially if Conner remains out. His ability to both execute under pressure and generate plays has been incredibly valuable, making this injury feel like a significant blow to the team.
Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting updates on Conner’s condition as the game progresses, hoping for positive news. Will he be able to return and turn the tide for his team, or are the Cardinals facing a pivotal moment where they must adjust without their star running back?
Only time will tell how this situation will impact the rest of the game and the future of the Cardinals' playoff hopes.