The Arizona Cardinals defeat at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers did not go as designed. For one, the scoreboard stated a 16-15 49ers victory. The Cardinals had the game basically won, but let it slip away.
Then came news that RB James Conner would be lost for the year on a play that bent his right ankle backward in the third quarter with 12:26 remaining.
RELATED: JAMES CONNER INJURY IS SEASON ENDING
So far, what is known is that Conner’s injury is considered “severe,” although the exact type of
injury isn’t known yet. It is already certain that he will require surgery.
It was a typical dive play up the gut when he was tackled by DT Jordan Elliott, who came off a block by C Hjalte Froholdt. Conner attempted to break free, but Elliott began to swing Conner around. At the same time, Niners rookie safety Marques Sigle came from his strong safety spot and ran up to assist on the stop. Sigle went low towards Conner’s shins while at the same time Elliott twisted Conner while Sigle was holding his ankle.
Players from both benches took a knee as Conner was attended to by the trainers, and then carted off the field. Conner is a Cardinals Captain this year.
QB Kyler Murray told ESPN after the game:
“Yeah, it’s unfortunate. Just not only is he my teammate, I feel like that’s a brother of mine. Just to see him go down like that, you never want to see that. I understand it’s part of the game, but it is not ideal. All the work that he puts in and just who he is as a person, you don’t want to see him get hurt like that. Yeah, it’s tough. He’s everything, means everything.”
Conner signed a two-year extension last year and had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, gaining 1,094 last season and 1,040 in 2023. He was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2018 while with the Pittsburgh Steelers and in 2021 in his first year with Arizona. His $3.64 million base salary for this year is guaranteed for injury.
Cardinals 2024 third-round draft pick Trey Benson (6’-0”, 220 pounds) will now become the starting running back. Before the San Fran contest, Conner had 32 carries compared to Benson’s 11. Both players had five receptions and are considered a bellcow type of runner.
So, what does Arizona’s offense do now?
Benson has been heralded by many that he should be more involved in the offense this year. He is described as a powerful runner with explosive speed, showing the ability to break tackles and finish runs effectively. He runs a 4.39 in the 40.
Other options for the Cardinals include Emari Demercado (5’-9”, 215 pounds) and Zonovan “Bam” Knight (5’-11”, 206 pounds). Demercado runs a 4.44 in the 40 and has played in 29 NFL games. This year, he has had one offensive snap and 19 special teams snaps. Knight has 4.53 speed and has played in 10 NFL games with 88 career carries. This season, he has zero offensive snaps and six special teams snaps.
On the practice squad is Michael Carter (5’-8”, 201 pounds), who is a former First Team All-ACC recipient. His 40 time is 4.5.
Against the 49ers, Benson had 10 carries for 42 yards with a 4.2 yards per carry average. Demercado had two carries for zero yards.
This season, the Cardinals were satisfied with the veteran Conner as their bellcow and Benson as the complementary back. Can Benson handle a full load? In his final two years at Florida State, he gained 990 yards and 906 yards, respectively, with a combined 310 carries and 23 touchdowns.
What if Arizona decides to bring in another running back? What is still out there as far as available free agents?
D’Onta Foreman
6’-0”, 235 pounds
Age: 29
Foreman was an absolute beast in college as he rushed for 2,028 yards in his final year at Texas. But he has sputtered at the next level. He was with the Cleveland Browns last year and used sparingly. He played in 11 games with 71 carries for 232 yards and mainly a goal-line option with his stocky frame. In 2022, while with the Carolina Panthers, he gained 914 yards on 203 carries, so he can take carries off of Benson. His price is in the $1.1 million range.
Gus Edwards
6’-1”, 238 pounds
Age: 30
Edwards was with the Baltimore Ravens for six seasons and did well for them. He signed with the Los Angeles Chargers last year, who then signed RB Najee Harris and drafted Omarion Hampton out of North Carolina in the first round. Edwards is known for running through players instead of around them. He has played in 80 NFL games with 800 carries for 3,760 yards and has scored 30 touchdowns. The Chargers paid him $3.25 million.
Very powerful runner who likes being physical. He is an average pass catcher but has good hands when thrown to. He is able to absorb blows and will push for extra yardage. A large workload is not an issue for Edwards as he has experience behind various formations, including offset shotgun and dotted-I. Not much wiggle or juking from Edwards, but will get those tough short gains.
Zack Moss
5’-10”, 215 pounds
Age: 27
Moss played with the Bengals last year and has 2,318 career rushing yards. He is a very good receiver with soft hands, gaining 710 yards on 98 receptions. He is in the $4 million range.
Moss has power with excellent yards after contact. He is quick but does not have breakaway speed. His thick body is pretty durable as he doesn’t get hurt often. Reliable outlet receiver or can take the workload. Excellent blocker when asked to remain in the backfield. Best known for taking hits and gaining more yardage.
