Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner is slated to undergo surgery on his injured right foot according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He suffered the injury during last Sunday’s surprisingly tight loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The injury occurred with 12:26 left in the third quarter, when Conner was carted off the field after completing a 9-yard run. What was thought previously to be an ankle injury has now actually been determined to be a foot injury. Unfortunately, this diagnosis will sideline the 30-year-old for the remainder of the 2020 season.
Before his injury, Conner had nine carries for just 22 yards, contributing to a tense game that ended with the 49ers defeating the Cardinals 16-15. His loss would be a huge blow to the team. He’s definitely been the main factor, recently reaching back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the first time in his career. Conner signed a two-year extension in November 2024, locking him down with the team through the 2026 campaign.
Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon expressed his disappointment regarding Conner’s injury, emphasizing the loss of a leader in the locker room.
“One of our leaders, a captain, you hate that it happens,” – Jonathan Gannon
Gannon added that the team’s collective responsibility will be to fill the void left by Conner’s absence. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing echoed similar sentiments, stating his concerns but expressing confidence in other players stepping up to fill the role.
Naturally I feel awful, I’m confident he’ll approach the experience with the proper mindset and emerge stronger on the other side. All of us have to meet this moment together. That’s not really fair,” Gannon said. It will come down to the players—and your humble correspondent—and others to fill the gap.
Petting acknowledged the impact of Conner’s injury but reassured that the Cardinals have capable running backs ready to take over. Prototypical players such as Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Bam Knight will now need to step up more in the backfield.
Conner’s contract carries a base salary of $3.64 million this season, guaranteed for injury. This financial stability gives him peace of mind knowing long term recovery is still to come.
Josh Weinfuss has covered the Arizona Cardinals and the NFL for ESPN since 2012. For Keim, Conner’s impact, on and off the field, has already proven to be invaluable.
“But that’s a bummer just like all our guys that have gotten hurt, but I just know what type of person and player he is. It’s tough to replace, but we have to. So, that’s what we’ll do.” – Jonathan Gannon
Leave a Reply