Cardinals Running Back James Conner Expected Season-Ending Ankle Injury

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner suffered a severe right ankle injury in their Week 3 game against the San Francisco 49ers, which is widely expected to be season-ending and will require surgery. Conner was carted off the field after his ankle was trapped under a defender, and although the team has not officially confirmed the full extent, multiple sources including ESPN insiders have indicated the injury is serious enough to end his 2025 season. Conner had been a key offensive player for the Cardinals, coming off a strong 2024 season and contributing significantly before the injury. With Conner sidelined, rookie Trey Benson is expected to take over as the Cardinals' primary running back, supported by Emari Demercado and potentially Michael Carter from the practice squad. Benson showed promise last season and is now positioned to be a weekly starter, though the Cardinals' backfield depth is unproven overall. The loss of Conner represents a major setback for the Cardinals' offense as they look to maintain their competitiveness under coach Jonathan Gannon.