Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) smiles as he comes out the huddle during their game against the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium on Dec 15, 2024.

Cardinals RB James Conner (knee) to sit out finale vs. 49ers

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers due to a knee injury, coach Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday.

Conner, 29, initially sustained his injury in Arizona’s 36-30 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers on Dec. 22. He was able to play this past weekend, however he exited the Cardinals’ 13-9 setback to the Los Angeles Rams after just four carries for 4 yards.

Signed to a two-year contract extension in November, Conner recorded career-high totals in carries (236), rushing yards (1,094) and games played (16). He also had eight touchdowns for the Cardinals (7-9), who have lost five of their last six games heading into season finale against the 49ers (6-10) in Glendale, Ariz.

With rookie Trey Benson (ankle) just placed on injured reserve, Michael Carter likely will receive the bulk of the workload in the backfield versus San Francisco.

A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Conner has rushed for 5,970 yards and 59 touchdowns to go along with 281 receptions for 2,217 yards and 11 scores in 107 career games (81 starts) with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2017-20) and Cardinals.

Conner was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Dec 22, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA;  Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) runs for a touchdown score against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Cardinals RB James Conner (knee) banged up vs. Panthers

Arizona Cardinals standout running back James Conner injured his right knee during Sunday’s 36-30 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Conner exited in the third quarter while enjoying a huge game with 166 scrimmage yards. He had 117 yards and one touchdown on 15 rushes and caught four passes for 49 yards.

Conner, 29, also reached 1,000 yards rushing for the second straight season. His total sits at a career-best 1,090.

Conner has topped 100 yards rushing in back-to-back games and six times this season.

Whether the two-time Pro Bowler will be healthy for Saturday’s game against the host Los Angeles Rams isn’t yet known.

Also, the Cardinals (7-8) were eliminated from playoff contention with the loss to the Panthers and that could prompt the team to hold Conner out for the final two games.

Conner recently signed a two-year, $19 million extension through the 2026 season.

–Field Level Media

Sep 11, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) against the Kansas City Chiefs at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Cards RB James Conner questionable; Rams rule out 4 players

The Arizona Cardinals listed running back James Conner as questionable for Sunday’s game against the visiting Los Angeles Rams, while wide receiver Rondale Moore and linebacker Ezekiel Turner were ruled out.

Conner left the Cardinals’ stunning Week 2 win over the Las Vegas Raiders with an ankle injury. After not practicing Wednesday, he returned Thursday and Friday in a limited capacity.

The starting running back has 51 rushing yards and a touchdown along with seven receptions for 55 yards in two games this season.

Moore (hamstring) and Turner (ankle) did not practice all week.

Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson will sit out for the third straight week. Jefferson is still recovering from offseason knee surgery and was unable to return to practice this week.

Also ruled out by the Rams on Friday afternoon were center Brian Allen (knee), rookie cornerback Cobie Durant (hamstring) and defensive back David Long Jr. (groin).

Durant returned an interception 51 yards last week to set up a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons.

Los Angeles also listed defensive back Jordan Fuller (hamstring) as questionable. He first appeared on the injury report Thursday as a limited participant before sitting out practice Friday.

–Field Level Media

Dec 13, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Steelers RB Conner (quad) out Monday

Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner has been ruled out for Monday night’s game in Cincinnati due to a quad injury, ESPN reported.

The team’s leading rusher was originally listed as questionable on the injury report.

Benny Snell will get the start for the Steelers (11-2) against the Bengals (2-10-1).

Conner sustained the injury during the Week 14 loss to the Buffalo Bills, his first action after missing two games on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Conner, 25, has rushed for 663 yards and five touchdowns and added 25 receptions for 145 yards in 11 games this season, his fourth year with the Steelers since being drafted in the third round in 2017.

Snell, 22, started the Weeks 13 and 14 games against the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Football Team. The 2019 fourth-rounder has rushed 84 times for 274 yards and three scores and has caught seven passes for 38 yards in 13 games this season.

–Field Level Media