Arizona Cardinals running backs James Conner and Chase Edmonds are both dealing with ankle injuries heading into Week 15. Conner’s injury kept him out of a few practices this week, but he was able to log a limited practice on Friday. Edmonds’ injury has kept him since Week 9, but he’s been able to practice this week. Will either Conner or Edmonds be able to suit up against the Detroit Lions this week, and what can fantasy football managers expect if they don’t?
Update 12/19/21: Both James Conner and Chase Edmonds will be active for their game against the Lions.
James Conner’s injury and production
Conner is dealing with an ankle injury that held him out of a few practices this week. He wasn’t able to practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but he was a limited participant on Friday. His Friday participation suggests his ankle injury isn’t overly serious.
The expectation is that Conner will play on Sunday. Both Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that he should be active. However, it is worth double-checking the Cardinals’ inactives in case of any setback during pre-game warmups.
Conner hasn’t been extremely efficient in 2021, but he has enjoyed an outstanding season in terms of fantasy. Through 13 games, he posted 661 yards and 14 touchdowns on 179 carries. Additionally, he registered 29 receptions for 303 yards and 2 scores on 31 targets.
Conner’s taken on a workhorse role in Edmonds’ absence, but he’s likely going to split work with the latter on the field. Still, the majority of Conner’s fantasy success has come from touchdowns, and he’ll continue to be the main red-zone option.
Chase Edmonds’ injury and production
Edmonds was activated off of the IR prior to Arizona’s game last week, but he couldn’t suit up against the Rams. He’s practiced in full throughout this week, suggesting he’s fully healthy at this point in the season.
Before his injury, Edmonds flashed in the Cardinals’ offense. He recorded 430 yards and 1 touchdown on 76 carries over nine games. Through the air, he posted 30 receptions for 211 yards on 37 targets.
Is Conner or Edmonds playing today?
Arizona listed Conner as questionable this weekend, while Edmonds isn’t on the injury report. With that said, head coach Kliff Kingsbury said he fully expects both running backs to play in this game.
Who will benefit if Conner or Edmonds sits?
Either running back would benefit greatly if the other sat this game. Yet, it doesn’t look as if there will be any chance that Edmonds sits, as he isn’t on the final injury report.
If for some reason Arizona declared both inactive, Eno Benjamin would take over as the lead back. Still, Arizona would likely lean more on their passing game rather than Benjamin.
Ultimately, Conner will lose value with Edmonds returning. Edmonds will cut into Conners passing-down work, but he should still see plenty of touchdown potential. Conner will continue to be a TD-dependent fantasy option moving forward.