The hits keep coming for the Cardinals.
James Conner, who leads Arizona with 364 rushing yards through five games, likely will miss extended time because of a knee injury. It's yet another setback for a Cardinals team that has had very few bright spots during a 1-4 start to the 2023 season.
On Oct. 10, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Conner is expected to miss "multiple weeks" with the knee injury. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero would later report that Conner would be placed on injured reserve.
Here's the latest on Conner's knee injury, including what's next for him and the Cardinals.
How long is James Conner out?
Conner has been placed on injured reserve, meaning he will miss a minimum of four weeks. Here are the next four games on the Cardinals' schedule:
- Week 6: at Rams
- Week 7: at Seahawks
- Week 8: vs. Ravens
- Week 9: at Browns
The earliest Conner will be able to return is Week 10 vs. the Falcons (Nov. 12).
The severity of Conner's injury has yet to be revealed. Arizona's first Week 6 injury report will be released Wednesday, Oct. 11. Given Arizona's record and early-season struggles, the team is taking a cautious approach with Conner and his return.
What is James Conner's injury?
Conner has been diagnosed with a knee injury. After the game, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said Conner "might have twisted his knee up." The specifics of Conner's injury have not been disclosed.
Conner injured his knee early in the second quarter of Arizona's Week 5 loss to Cincinnati. Despite pleas to return to the field, Conner would sit for the rest of the game.
Last season, Conner missed four games, most recently sitting out of the season finale with a shin injury.
What happened to James Conner?
In the Week 5 matchup between the Cardinals and Bengals, Conner suffered a knee injury at the end of a 35-yard run. As Conner attempted to hurdle over the defender, there was a collision and he landed awkwardly, which is when the injury seemingly occurred.
The 35 run James Conner was injured on is an example what the Arizona Cardinals can't replace while he's out.
— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) October 10, 2023
This speed and physicality is rare. Conner had 10 big play rushes of 10 yards or more this season for the Cards. pic.twitter.com/TUbpesIkwP
The awkward nature of the fall makes it unclear just how Conner was injured on the play, but he did not return to the game after the run.
Cardinals RB depth chart
In response to Conner's injury, Arizona claimed RB Tony Jones Jr. off waivers from the Saints. Jones fills one of the Cardinals' two open roster spots, so no corresponding move was needed. Additionally, the team's RB corps features Keaontay Ingram, who has missed the last two weeks with a neck injury, and rookie Emari Demercado, who had 10 carries for 45 yards against the Bengals.
Veteran Corey Clement has been elevated from the practice squad in Weeks 4 and 5 but has yet to take an offensive snap.
1. James Conner
2. Keaontay Ingram
3. Emari Demercado
4. Tony Jones Jr.
Practice Squad: Corey Clement
Practice Squad: Damien Williams
