Who Should I Start? James Conner or Christian Kirk
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4 | 10.9 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 6.5 | 0.0 |
James Conner News
Monday, July 27, 12:23 PM
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.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 1.8 | 21.5 | 0.1 |
Christian Kirk News
Monday, July 27, 11:27 AM
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Christian Kirk did not practice Monday because of a calf issue, according to Nick Wagoner. Matt Maiocco later reported that Kirk sustained a calf strain, but no timetable for his return has been announced. The 29-year-old signed a one-year contract with San Francisco in March after catching 28 passes for 239 yards and one touchdown across 13 games with the Houston Texans in 2025. Kirk is trying to establish a role in a reworked receiving corps that also includes Mike Evans, Ricky Pearsall, and second-round rookie De'Zhaun Stribling, whom the 49ers selected 33rd overall. Any extended absence would cost Kirk valuable time in a new offense and could create additional camp opportunities for the team's other receivers. For now, the lack of a reported timetable makes Kirk's participation worth monitoring, but there is not enough information to determine how much time he will miss.
James Conner vs. Christian Kirk
Still trying to decide between Conner and Kirk? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that James Conner is projected to score 3.4 points this week while Christian Kirk is projected to score 4.8 points.
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