Who Should I Start? James Conner or Najee Harris

Wednesday, January 1, 4:15 PM

According to the team, the Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) was placed on injured reserve, which will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the 2024 season. In a corresponding move, Michael Carter was promoted to the active roster. Conner suffered a knee injury during their Week 16 loss to the Carolina Panthers and was listed as questionable leading up to their Week 17 tilt against the Rams. Conner was able to suit up in this contest but exited the game after just 12 offensive snaps. In this game, Conner ran the ball just four times for four yards and brought in two receptions for four yards. Rookie Trey Benson (ankle) is also on injured reserve, which will leave DeeJay Dallas and now Michael Carter as the lone backs for their final game. Carter saw the most work when Conner exited both games, which suggests he will be the lead option on Sunday afternoon.

Tuesday, March 18, 2:34 PM

According to Los Angeles Chargers reporter Daniel Popper of the Athletic, the team is likely to target a running back in April's 2025 NFL Draft. "The Chargers will be adding an explosive player to this group in the draft to complement Harris, Popper wrote." Perhaps as early as the 22nd pick in the first round." Harris signed a one-year, $5.25 million deal to join Justin Herbert's offense during the first week of free agency, but the depth chart behind him consisting of Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins leaves a lot to be desired. The 2025 NFL Draft class is loaded at the running back spot, and North Carolina's Omarion Hampton or Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson could fit what L.A. is looking for. While Harris would have immense upside in the Chargers' offense in a workhorse role, he could be related to early-down work depending on if L.A. pulls the trigger on a ball carrier on Day 1 or Day 2. Harris has missed just one game in his NFL career and has rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons, but his contract value and lack of explosive play-making signals he could be at risk of falling into a committee-back role.