Who Should I Start? James Conner or Aaron Jones Sr.

Monday, September 22, 6:34 PM

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.

Friday, October 24, 10:11 AM

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. returned in Week 8 from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for four games. The 30-year-old had a quiet game in his team's 37-10 Week 8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, recording five carries for 15 yards and hauling in two catches for 15 yards on four targets. It was a miserable night for the Minnesota offense overall, as it recorded just 164 yards of total offense. On the positive side for Jones Sr., he earned more total touches (seven) than fellow Vikings running back Jordan Mason (five). That could change in future weeks when Minnesota has a more neutral or positive game script. Most likely, Jones Sr. and Mason will split backfield work relatively equally, making the Vikings' backfield a difficult one for fantasy managers to parse.