James Conner had established himself as the Arizona Cardinals’ lead back. Over 2023 and 2024, he racked up 444 carries for 2,134 yards with 15 touchdowns and 4.8 YPC. He was productive, solid, dependable, and locked in.
However, 2025 started a little rough for Conner. He entered Saturday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers with just 23 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown and found himself up against a tough defense.
Then, on his ninth carry of the day, Conner was tackled awkwardly, and his leg twisted underneath him, leading to a horrible-looking injury.
How Long Will James Conner Be Out in 2025?
Conner suffered a serious ankle injury and had to be carted off the field.
John Wienfus of ESPN posted, “A source told ESPN that they assume James Conner’s right ankle injury is severe enough to end his season but an official prognosis hasn’t been made yet.”
A source told ESPN that they assume James Conner’s right ankle injury is severe enough to end his season but an official prognosis hasn’t been made yet.
— Josh Weinfuss (@joshweinfuss) September 22, 2025
The Cardinals have released no official diagnosis or prognosis, but speculation is rampant on social media.
“James Conner left today’s game on a cart after this SERIOUS lower leg injury,” posted one observer. “Based on the mechanism looks like possible -tibia or fibula fracture -ankle dislocation.”
However, Adam Schefter reports, “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.”
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
What Does This Mean for the Cardinals’ Offense?
With Conner out, it’s next man up for the Cardinals’ backfield. Trey Benson took over and flashed his ability. He had 10 carries for 42 yards and no touchdowns while pulling off a nice 29-yard run.
The Cardinals lost heartbreakingly to the Niners 16-15 as San Francisco kicker Eddy Pineiro hit a 35-yard field goal as the clock ran out. It was the Niners’ third straight win and second in a row with quarterback Mac Jones filling in for the injured Brock Purdy.
The Cardinals fell to 2-1 and host the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football on September 25.
