The Arizona Cardinals continue to struggle with injuries. Quarterback Kyler Murray has missed the past several weeks, running back Trey Benson has also been sidelined, and now Emari Demercado is expected to miss time. This comes in addition to the absence of starting running back James Conner, who was injured in Week 3 and has yet to return.
Latest on James Conner’s Return
Conner is not expected to return in the 2025 season. He was carted off against the 49ers in Week 3 after his foot got trapped under a tackler. The injury required surgery, and he will not be suiting up for Arizona again this season. He is currently on injured reserve and won’t suit up for the Cardinals until potentially 2026 if he stays with Arizona.
Conner wasn’t off to a great start in 2025 before the injury. He had only 32 carries in the three appearances for 95 yards and just eight catches for 38 yards. Conner did find the end zone twice despite his limited playing time. He is a big loss for Arizona after two straight 1,000-plus rushing yard seasons.
The Cardinals are down Conner, Benson, and Demercado at the moment. They have Bam Knight and Michael Carter competing for the starting role in the backfield. Knight has been the guy over the past few weeks, splitting reps with Demercado.
Benson is on injured reserve as well. The team is searching for solutions in the backfield and beyond. After opening the season 2–0, the Cardinals dropped five consecutive games, notched a statement win, and then suffered lopsided losses in back-to-back weeks.
The Cardinals have seen a noticeable uptick in their passing game under quarterback Jacoby Brissett. In Week 11, Brissett completed 47 passes for more than 450 yards, despite the absence of his top target, Marvin Harrison Jr. However, the improved aerial production has yet to translate into wins, and another loss could effectively seal the team’s fate. Arizona faces elimination from the NFC West race if it loses and both the Rams and Seahawks come away with victories.
Their offense ranks 20th in PFSN’s Offense Impact with a grade of 72.4. The unit has been operating shorthanded for much of the season, with key contributors such as Murray, Conner, Benson, Demercado, and Harrison all missing time due to injury.
The Cardinals are set to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12, once again likely without several key players. There is hope that Harrison will return to the lineup, but the backfield remains a patchwork group. Arizona will need another standout performance from Brissett to remain competitive.
