Who Should I Start? James Conner or Bucky Irving

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, November 21, 12:50 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) has been ruled out for the Week 12 game this Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams, according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com. Fantasy managers will be disappointed that Irving won't be back this weekend after it seemed he had been trending towards returning for the first time since Week 4, but the good news is that the Bucs are targeting a return for Irving in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals. A report from Pewter Report suggested that Irving was "reeling a bit" after being injured for the first time in his career and missing football, but he's "feeling better and is on the road to recovery." It's anyone's guess as to how Tampa's backfield will look when Irving finally returns, but for this Sunday against the Rams, Sean Tucker figures to see more work over Rachaad White after his three-touchdown performance in last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills.