Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner suffered a knee injury during the team’s 13-9 defeat against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday and did not return to the game. Conner was seen being evaluated in the second quarter before attempting to ride a stationary bike in hopes of managing the injury.
In the brief time on the field, Conner managed to gain just four yards on four carries and caught two passes for an additional four yards. This recent setback comes after he had an impressive performance against the Carolina Panthers the previous week, where he rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown on 15 attempts, while also leading the team in receiving with 49 yards on four catches.
Despite concerns regarding his knee leading up to the game, he was cleared to play following a week filled with limited practice sessions. With both Conner and rookie Trey Benson sidelined due to injuries, the Cardinals relied on running back Michael Carter, who stepped up with 70 yards on 13 carries alongside two receptions for 11 yards.
Additionally, cornerback Garrett Williams was placed in concussion protocol but managed to return to the field later in the game.
It’s unfortunate to see a player like Conner struggle with injuries, especially after making a significant comeback from injury last week. However, the emergence of Michael Carter provides a glimmer of hope for the Cardinals as they navigate their injuries. The team’s resilience could be a catalyst for players to step up in the face of adversity as they strive for improvement in the upcoming games.