The Arizona Cardinals lost a big part of their heart and soul in Sunday’s 16-15 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Suffering the gruesome season-ending ankle injury in the third quarter of the defeat, running back James Conner’s 2025 is reportedly over just three games in.
His season comes to a premature end with just 32 carries for 95 rushing yards and a touchdown. He also caught eight passes for 38 yards and a score.
For as much as Conner’s play on the field dictates a lot of what the Cardinals offense does, his impact off of it is as just as mighty.
The reaction from his teammates says it all.
“JC is everything, means everything,” quarterback Kyler Murray told reporters postgame. “I really don’t want to talk about it right now.”
“I’m going do it for him,” running back Trey Benson added postgame. “He’s going be my motivation for the rest of the year and I can’t wait.”
Gotchu for life 6, I promise ❤️🙏🏾
— Trey Benson (@trey_uno1) September 22, 2025
Tough loss today on multiple fronts but keeping my guy @JamesConner_ lifted. If anyone knows what it means to bounce back stronger, it’s him. Back in the lab for a quick turnaround on TNF to get back in the win column 😤
— Kelvin Beachum Jr (@KelvinBeachumJr) September 22, 2025
Tough one. Praying for my brother JC. Next one coming up soon!
— Budda Baker (@Buddabaker3) September 22, 2025
6 ❤️ we got you 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/kFJk3dWreq
— Rocketship 🚀 (@MackWilSr) September 22, 2025
The Cardinals will now turn to Benson to carry the brunt of the workload left behind by Conner. Emari Demercado, Bam Knight and Michael Carter, who is currently on the practice squad, are other options to fill in behind Benson.
