Who Should I Start? James Conner or Omarion Hampton

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.

Sunday, May 4, 1:49 PM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton said on The Jim Rome Show that he believes he and Najee Harris can create "a dominant backfield" in 2025. "We know they're going to run the ball, so I'm loving it," Hampton said. The 22nd overall pick was a workhorse back in college at North Carolina and was incredibly productive for the Tar Heels with 2,033 scrimmage yards in 2024, which was the third-most in the nation. Although he won't be a workhorse immediately for the Bolts while sharing touches with Harris, Hampton should have plenty of fantasy upside immediately in a run-first L.A. offense. He averaged over 175 total yards per game in 12 contests in 2024 and was also the fourth FBS player with 1,500-plus rushing yards and 15-plus rushing touchdowns in back-to-back seasons since 2016.