Cardinals RB James Conner Heading to Injured Reserve

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner will miss the next four weeks at minimum.

ARIZONA -- Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner is heading to injured reserve, which will see him miss the next four weeks at minimum.

Conner injured his knee in the second quarter of Week 5's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He was initially ruled questionable but did not return. 

If placed on IR, Conner would be required to miss a minimum of four games. 

Conner first joined the Cardinals in 2021, where he earned Pro Bowl honors after scoring a total of 18 touchdowns - 15 of which came on the ground. Last season, Conner rushed for 782 yards in just 13 games and caught 46 passes. 

This season, Conner has been one of the best running backs in the game. Entering Week 5, Conner was one of the NFL's leading rushers with 318 yards (5.1 YPC) and two touchdowns on the year. 

With Conner in the fold, Arizona had one of the league's top rushing attacks. The Cardinals ranked No. 6 in rushing offense with 143.5 yards per game, a stark difference from their 110.2 yards per game averaged last season.

He was named a captain in Arizona for a second straight season. 

Despite the talent, injuries have been somewhat of a concern for Conner. Though he's been available for most games, Conner has yet to play a full schedule dating back to his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

With Keaontay Ingram inactive in Week 5 with a neck injury, the Cardinals relied on the legs on Emari Demercado, who rushed for 45 yards on ten carries and reached the end zone for the first time in his career.

Cardinals QB Josh Dobbs spoke on Conner's absence after the loss to Cincinnati:

“Obviously, James is a great runner and a great part of our offense. I thought (Cardinals RB) Emari (Demercado) stepped in and did a tremendous job. ... I know he has been emphasized in the pass game a little bit more thus far but, that was huge to see him come in and step up. Obviously, for him to get his first touchdown, which I know that was a good feeling for him, but also for him to be really good in protection. Obviously, when you lose James, that is tough. I thought the response by Emari to step in and take on a bigger role and not flinch was really good.” 

Arizona signed running back Damien Williams to the practice squad last week and also claimed New Orleans Saints running back Tony Jones on Monday. The Cardinals elevated Corey Clement to the active roster when Ingram was ruled out over the weekend, though he didn't register an offensive snap.

Arizona travels to SoFi Stadium to play the Los Angeles Rams next Sunday. Los Angeles has allowed 120 rushing yards per game.