James Conner's Status Uncertain as Cardinals' RB Depth Faces Week 1 Test
With James Conner's status in doubt and Jeremiyah Love nursing an ankle injury, the Cardinals' RB depth is being put to the test.
The Arizona Cardinals faced a significant setback last year when their lead back, James Conner, suffered a season-ending injury during Week 3 against the 49ers. The injury, a severe foot problem requiring surgery, left Conner sidelined for the remainder of the season. Despite early optimism at training camp, Conner has yet to participate in full-team or 11-on-11 drills, raising concerns as the 2026 NFL season approaches.
On Wednesday, head coach Mike LaFleur updated Conner's status, stating that while he is progressing, the team is uncertain about his readiness for Week 1. With the Cardinals set to open their regular season on Sunday, September 13, against the Chargers in Los Angeles, Conner's recovery timeline is crucial. If he cannot play, the team may need to rely heavily on Tyler Allgeier, who may have to carry a significant workload.
Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, initially expected to take over that role, is sidelined with a high ankle sprain, further complicating matters. Should both Conner and Love remain sidelined by Week 1, the Cardinals would be left with Allgeier and Bam Knight to handle carries, a situation that presents challenges for the team's offensive strategy.
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