The Cardinals' worst fears reportedly came true after a brutal ankle injury saw running back James Conner get carted off the field on Sunday afternoon.
According to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss, Arizona assumes the injury is "severe enough to end his season," while adding that an official prognosis has yet to be made. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport followed up with his own report that the running back will need surgery to repair the injury.
#AZCardinals RB James Conner, who was carted off with his ankle immobilized, will need surgery to repair the injury he suffered today, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 22, 2025
He’s still undergoing tests to determine the full extent of the damage. But the respected Conner is out indefinitely. pic.twitter.com/W1M5P9MnTM
Conner, 30, is a two-time Pro Bowler and, after beginning his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been with the Cardinals since 2021. He's notched 1,000+ rushing yards and 7+ rushing touchdowns in each of the last two seasons, and through three games in 2025, had ran the ball 32 times for 95 yards and a touchdown.
Arizona will now rely on veterans Trey Benson and Emari Demercado to man the backfield. The Cardinals, 2-1 after Sunday's loss to the 49ers, will take on the Seattle Seahawks this coming Thursday night.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as James Conner Injury Update: Cardinals Receive Brutal News on RB After Ankle Injury.
