Who Should I Start? James Conner or Isiah Pacheco

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.

Thursday, October 16, 10:07 AM

Running back Isiah Pacheco of the Kansas City Chiefs is coming off a high mark for involvement following last Sunday's victory against the Detroit Lions, and he could see a continued workload in the weeks to come. Pacheco played 77% of the Chiefs' offensive snaps against Detroit, the most of any running back on the team, which was also his highest mark since Week 1 of 2024. Just more than a year removed from a broken leg, Pacheco's numbers Sunday were more in line with 2023, during which he averaged 17 touches per game. With a solid 4.2 yards per carry so far, he could see more games like the one he just played against the Lions.