James Conner
Running Back #6
James Conner News
James Conner Still Not Working in 11 on 11's
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (ankle) still has not participated in 11-on-11 drills in practice as he recovers from a significant ankle injury in 2025. Conner suffered an ankle dislocation that required surgery in Week 3 of last season, marking just shy of 11 months since the surgery. With the veteran back still not participating in team drills, it's unclear whether Conner will be ready for Week 1's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Cardinals signed Tyler Allgeier in free agency and drafted rookie Jeremiyah Love with the third-overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. While the former workhorse for Arizona could be a factor in the latter part of 2026, fantasy managers should probably pivot to another option in this season's drafts.
Aug 12, 2026 6:25 PM EST
James Conner Remains Out of 11-on-11 Work
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot) is still not participating in team drills or 11-on-11 work as he continues his recovery from season-ending surgery, according to AZCardinals.com. Conner suffered a right foot injury in Week 3 last season and finished 2025 with 32 carries for 95 yards and one touchdown while adding eight receptions for 38 yards and another score across three games. Arizona has not provided a timetable for his return to full-team work, and the report did not mention a setback. His continued limitations give third-overall pick Jeremiyah Love, free-agent addition Tyler Allgeier, and Trey Benson additional opportunities in a crowded backfield. Love entered the offseason atop the depth chart after Arizona invested the No. 3 pick in him, so Conner will need to progress into team periods before his role can be evaluated clearly. For now, his participation level remains the key development to monitor as camp continues.
Jul 29, 2026 11:13 AM EST
Nathaniel Hackett Praises James Conner but Does Not Name RB1
Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett praised running back James Conner when asked whether the team currently has a starter, but he stopped short of naming an RB1. Hackett said he was excited for Conner to get on the field and show what he can do before praising the entire running back room. Conner is returning from surgery on his right foot after the injury ended his 2025 season in Week 3. The 31-year-old rushed 32 times for 95 yards and one touchdown while adding eight receptions for 38 yards and another score in three games. Arizona revised Conner's contract to keep him for 2026, but the backfield also includes third-overall pick Jeremiyah Love, free-agent addition Tyler Allgeier, and Trey Benson. Love's draft investment creates significant competition for touches, while Conner's experience and consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in 2023 and 2024 keep him firmly involved. Hackett's comments were positive, but they did not establish Conner as the leading candidate for the starting job.
Jul 27, 2026 12:23 PM EST
James Conner Takes Part in Thursday's Practice
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (ankle, foot), who was held out of the offseason program, participated in drills in Thursday's training camp practice, according to Jess Root of Cardinals Wire. Conner will most likely be eased back in this summer after he played in only three games due to the injury in 2025, but he has reportedly fully recovered from the injury and shouldn't face any limitations for the start of the regular season this fall. The problem for the 31-year-old veteran back is that the Cardinals have since added rookie first-rounder Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier to their backfield, so even if he's fully healthy in 2026, he's not going to have near the volume of touches he had before his ankle/foot injury last year. Coming off his serious injury and with lots of competition in the Cardinals' backfield now, Conner's fantasy stock has taken a massive hit. He will go undrafted in most standard-sized leagues and is currently ranked as the No. 77 overall fantasy RB for the 2026 season.
Jul 24, 2026 8:14 AM EST
James Conner Still Worth Holding for Dynasty Contenders
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner is no longer the engine of this backfield, but that does not make him useless to a contender. His 2025 season lasted only three games before a right foot injury required surgery. The 6-foot-1, 233-pound veteran finished with 32 carries for 95 yards and one touchdown, along with eight catches for 38 yards and another score. The last healthy sample was much more encouraging. Conner handled 283 touches for 1,508 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns in 2024. Arizona kept him on a revised contract for the final year of his deal, then signed Tyler Allgeier and drafted Jeremiyah Love third overall. Love is expected to take over the lead role, and Allgeier saw plenty of first-team work during the spring. Conner should be healthy for training camp, but at 31, he is headed for a complementary role. RotoBaller ranks him as the dynasty RB61. Rebuilders should take a reasonable return instead of carrying him through another value drop. Contenders can hold. Conner has enough receiving ability and scoring history to matter if more work opens during the season.
Jul 20, 2026 9:17 AM EST
Has James Conner's Redraft Stock Fallen Too Far?
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot/ankle) is still working his way back from the gruesome foot/ankle injury that ended his 2025 season in Week 3. While Conner should be available to play in 2026, the landscape around him in Arizona has shifted dramatically. The Cardinals overhauled their coaching staff, signed running back Tyler Allgeier in free agency, and then used the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on running back Jeremiyah Love. Entering 2026, Conner likely profiles as the Cardinals' RB3. However, the 31-year-old remained a highly productive player in his last full season in 2024, recording 1,508 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 283 touches across 16 games. If Conner proves he's healthy over the summer, he may end up being moved to a running back-needy team before the start of the regular season. Given that his average draft position has plummeted to RB67 in redraft leagues, Conner could be worth taking a flier on in the late rounds of drafts.
Jun 28, 2026 11:09 AM EST
James Conner Doing Side Work with Trainers During OTAs
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot/ankle) has been working off to the side with team trainers during OTAs, per Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic. Conner is working his way back from the gruesome foot/ankle injury that ended his 2025 season in Week 3. The 31-year-old was a highly productive player in his last fully healthy season with Arizona in 2024, recording 1,508 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 283 touches across 16 games. However, Conner's role with the Cardinals entering 2026 is in question after the team signed running back Tyler Allgeier in free agency and used the number three overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on running back Jeremiyah Love. Even if he's able to return in time for the start of the upcoming season, Conner may be limited to RB3 duties in Arizona and would likely need either an injury above him on the depth chart or a change in scenery to provide fantasy-relevant production.
Jun 4, 2026 12:27 PM EST
James Conner Buried on Cardinals' Depth Chart Heading into 2026
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot) had his 2025 season cut short after suffering a season-ending foot injury in Week 3. Conner was present for the start of Arizona's voluntary offseason program in early April, which could be a good sign that he's on track to be ready for the start of the 2026 season. However, Conner now projects as the RB3 in Arizona at best after the Cardinals signed former Atlanta Falcons back Tyler Allgeier in free agency and used the third overall pick in the 2026 draft on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Conner was a productive player as recently as 2024, when he recorded over 1,500 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 283 touches across 16 games. Still, with Conner entering his age-31 season and coming off foot surgery, Arizona clearly prioritized upgrading at the position with its offseason moves. Barring a change of scenery before the start of the season, Conner's dynasty value is plummeting.
May 1, 2026 12:10 PM EST
James Conner Present for Start of Offseason Program
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot) was present on Tuesday for the start of the team's voluntary strength and conditioning program, according to Bo Brack of PHNX Sports. Conner was limited to just three games last year due to a foot injury that required surgery, but he's back for offseason workouts as he heads into his 10th year in the NFL. The 30-year-old two-time Pro Bowler will not only see a big drop in fantasy value going into next season because of his injury, but also because the Cardinals added Tyler Allgeier in free agency on a two-year, $8 million deal. Trey Benson (knee), who is also rehabbing from a season-ending injury in 2025, remains on the roster as well. Conner has been the Cardinals' lead back since the start of the 2021 season, but that is definitely going to change in 2026, as he'll be battling for playing time among two other very capable backs. In addition, the Cardinals have been rumored to be considering taking Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick in this year's NFL draft.
Apr 7, 2026 5:56 PM EST
James Conner's Role Threatened in Arizona?
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner faces newfound competition in the backfield ahead of the 2026 season. Conner previously had the backfield essentially to himself, and it looked like he would return to the starting role over Trey Benson in 2026. However, the Cardinals addressed the running back position in free agency, signing Tyler Allgeier to compete with Conner. If Arizona is anything like Atlanta, Allgeier will be more of a complementary piece, stealing carries and touchdowns here and there but lacking standalone value. We don't expect that to be the case, though. It's more likely that we'll see a conventional competition throughout training camp, allowing Conner, Allgeier, and even Benson to push for the starting job. Conner may be the incumbent, but he's also coming off a season-ending foot injury. Benson is the youngest of the group, but he's also coming off an injury that sidelined him for 13 games. Allgeier may end up being the favorite to start at running back, especially since he's the only player in this backfield that the new regime, led by head coach Mike LaFleur, went out and actively signed. Conner is a sell-high in dynasty leagues this offseason, and managers can likely still salvage modest compensation given his experience and name value.
Mar 31, 2026 6:20 AM EST
How Far Will James Conner Fall on Depth Chart?
Two-time Pro-Bowl running back James Conner and the Arizona Cardinals agreed to a restructured contract that would keep him in the desert for the 2026 season. One day later, the team agreed to a two-year deal with Tyler Allgeier, adding depth to a running back room that already featured 2024 third-round pick Trey Benson. None of the three backs has a guaranteed salary above $2.1 million in 2026, and with a new coaching staff, this committee situation profiles as one of the murkiest in the league. Allgeier has the most experience in the type of wide-zone scheme expected to be implemented by offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, while Benson offers the most explosiveness, and Conner still boasts the best hands and receiving ability. With the Cardinals coming off a 3-14 season and expected to return Jacoby Brissett as the starting quarterback, this backfield may not find itself in a position to deliver much overall value, regardless of the division of labor.
Mar 13, 2026 5:37 AM EST
Cardinals, James Conner Agree to Restructured Contract
The Arizona Cardinals and two-time Pro Bowl running back James Conner (foot) agreed to a restructured contract on Sunday that will keep him with the team in 2026, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Conner played only three games in 2025 due to a foot injury that required season-ending surgery, but he'll be back with the Cardinals this year at age 31. Trey Benson (knee) also missed most of the year due to injury, which gave more opportunities to both Michael Carter and Emari Demercado. Carter led the team with only 333 rushing yards and one touchdown on 92 rushing attempts over 13 games, while Demercado had 312 yards and no touchdowns on the ground in 13 games. Conner could be the favorite for RB1 duties again in 2026, but on the wrong side of 30 in an offense that could have issues at the quarterback position, the upside for Conner probably won't really be there.
Mar 8, 2026 3:50 PM EST
James Conner to be a Salary Cap Casualty?
The Athletic's Doug Haller believes that Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot) could be a salary cap casualty this offseason. Conner has been a major asset to Arizona's offense during his five years with the team and is among the most respected players in the locker room, but he's also coming off a severe foot injury that limited him to just three games in 2025. He'll turn 31 years old in May and is under contract through the 2026 season, and cutting him would save the Cardinals around $8 million. Cutting Conner would allow the team to use the extra money to find a younger replacement in the backfield. The Cardinals would face a $2.25 million dead-cap hit by releasing Conner if he's a pre-June 1 cut. Even though Conner had two 1,000-yard seasons before his injury last year, he will most likely struggle to find a prominent role as a lead back in either Arizona or somewhere else next season while coming off a serious injury.
Feb 16, 2026 7:27 AM EST
James Conner Facing Age and Injury Questions Heading into 2026
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (ankle) had his 2025 season cut short when he suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 3. The veteran running back was a productive player as recently as 2024, when he recorded 1,508 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 283 touches across 16 games played. However, he will enter the 2026 season at 31 years old and less than a year removed from significant ankle surgery, bringing his future fantasy viability into question. The Cardinals spent most of the 2025 season without both of their top running backs, as 2024 third-round pick Trey Benson (knee) did not play after Week 4 due to a knee injury. While Benson's injury status clouds his future outlook as well, Arizona appears headed for a backfield split. The team could also bring in additional talent at the position through free agency or the draft heading into 2026. Given his age and unclear health status, Conner's fantasy value in both redraft and dynasty formats is currently trending in the wrong direction.
Jan 30, 2026 3:31 PM EST
James Conner Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (ankle) underwent season-ending surgery on Monday after suffering a significant right ankle injury in the third quarter of Sunday's game. Conner was carted off with his ankle immobilized, and head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed he won't return this season. With Conner sidelined, the Cardinals will turn to second-year back Trey Benson, who has been highly efficient, averaging 6.0 yards per carry (second among RBs). Gannon praised Benson before the season, noting he viewed both Conner and Benson as capable starters. Benson now projects as the lead option in Arizona's backfield, while Emari Demercado is expected to mix in behind him.
Sep 22, 2025 6:34 PM EST
James Conner Officially Out for Remainder of 2025 Season
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (ankle) is officially set to miss the remainder of the 2025 season after suffering a severe ankle injury in Week 3. Conner is undergoing additional tests on Monday to determine the exact extent of the injury, but will definitely undergo surgery, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The 30-year-old running back will finish 2025 with 133 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 40 total touches. Cardinals second-year back Trey Benson should be in line for a major workload increase and profiles as the number one waiver-wire addition in all fantasy leagues where he is available heading into Week 4. Arizona running back Emari Demercado could also play a role as the team's passing-downs back and could have some deep-league fantasy appeal.
Sep 22, 2025 10:26 AM EST
James Conner's Ankle Injury Severe Enough to End His Season?
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (ankle) suffered a gruesome ankle injury during his team's Week 3 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. According to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss, a source told him that they "assume" Conner's ankle injury is severe enough to end his season, but "an official prognosis hasn't been made yet." If Conner is indeed looking at a season-ending injury, second-year running back Trey Benson would be in line for a significantly expanded role in Arizona. Benson finished Week 3 with 51 yards from scrimmage on 13 touches. Running back Emari Demercado could also factor into the backfield mix for the Cardinals.
Sep 21, 2025 9:27 PM EST
James Conner Ruled Out with Ankle Injury
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (ankle) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. Conner took an ugly tackle on a one-yard run during the third quarter. He immediately grabbed his right leg after the play. Conner needed to be carted off the field, which is never a good sign. He'll finish this game with 22 yards on nine rushing attempts while hauling in three receptions for 15 yards through the air. This looked like a brutal multi-week injury, but more information should be known after further testing is done. For now, Trey Benson will step up and be asked to take on a larger role on offense.
Sep 21, 2025 6:22 PM EST
James Conner a Mid-Level RB2 in Week 3
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner saw his snap share shrink a bit more in Week 2 from 65% to 55%. A two-yard rushing touchdown salvaged his week as he finished as the RB24 in half-PPR formats, but he could only muster 34 yards on 11 carries. The Panthers are ranked 26th against the run through two weeks, which doesn't provide anyone any confidence when their Week 3 opponent is ranked 13th. On top of that, this is the San Francisco 49ers' home opener, so they should come out with some added motivation. With the combination of a tough defense and Trey Benson getting most of the passing work, Conner projects to be around a mid-level RB2 this week.
Sep 19, 2025 9:51 PM EST
James Conner Primed to Find More Success in Week 2?
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner salvaged his fantasy week against the New Orleans Saints in Week 1 with a four-yard receiving touchdown in the second quarter. Outside of that, he saw 12 carries for only 39 yards while Trey Benson took eight carries for 69 yards. We may have finally hit the timeline where Benson takes more and more touches away from Conner. The good news, for both backs, is that they're going up against the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. They just gave up 143 yards to Travis Etienne and 200 rushing yards overall. So, even though Benson will likely get some more opportunities, Conner remains an RB2 given that he sticks as the number-one guy in the backfield.
Sep 13, 2025 9:41 AM EST
Latest Fantasy News
