The Arizona Cardinals experienced two losses on Sunday in Santa Clara, losing to the 49ers 16-15 but also losing starting running back James Conner to a season ending right ankle injury. Conner had to be carted off the field after sustaining the injury following a 1-yard run with 12:26 remaining in the third quarter. After some preliminary evaluations, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said he did not know the severity of the injury but it is now being reported that Conner will need season ending surgery.
Cardinals RB James Conner did in fact suffer a season-ending injury to his right ankle that will require surgery, per source. The injury is considered “severe”, even if the team does not yet know the full extent of the damage. pic.twitter.com/IMktQeYBoz
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 22, 2025
James Conner is coming off back-to-back 1,000 yard rushing seasons, the first time he has ever accomplished this in his career. Conner, who is 30, will now miss the remainder of the 2025 season with no timetable in place so far for his return next season, if he will even be able to. The lead running back for the Cardinals signed a two-year extension in November of 2024 that goes through the 2026 season with his $3.64 million base salary guaranteed through injury.
With Conner now out for the remainder of the season, the expected lead back will now shift to Trey Benson who has had 84 career carries for 416 yards and a touchdown in his short career with the Cardinals. Benson’s backup will be Emari Demercado and Bam Knight as well as Michael Carter on the practice squad. The running back room in Arizona should have a full load in Week 4 as the Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks on a short week for Thursday Night Football.
