Who Should I Start? James Conner or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

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 14, 8:02 PM

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has lost hold of the lead-back duties with Chris Rodriguez Jr. taking over in Week 10 against the Lions. Croskey-Merrit wound up leading Washington with 11 carries for 30 yards in the game, but that was due to Rodriguez leaving the game early with a shoulder injury. Rodriguez played 68% of the snaps to Croskey-Merritt's 16% in the first half and is off the injury report heading into Sunday. The past five games have been disappointing for the rookie seventh-rounder and ultimately led to the coaching staff going in a different direction with Rodriguez, who has done a better job of taking what is blocked. Croskey-Merritt should still be involved on some early downs, but he's best left on the bench for Washington's Week 11 matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Madrid, Spain.