Cardinals place James Conner on IR, out for 2025 season

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner will miss the remainder of the 2025 season after suffering a severe right ankle injury during Sunday’s 16-15 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the team said. Club medical evaluations determined the injury will require surgery, and Conner has been placed on injured reserve, officials said.

Conner was injured on a one-yard carry with 12:26 remaining in the third quarter when he was hit by two defenders and his right ankle bent awkwardly. Medical staff attended to him on the field as players from both teams knelt around him. He was eventually taken from the field on a cart and transported to the locker room. The Cardinals initially listed him as out with an ankle injury before further testing revealed the need for surgery.

The loss deprives Arizona of its primary runner. Conner, 30, had been a workhorse for the Cardinals, posting consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 2023 and 2024 and signing a two-year contract extension in November 2024. He entered the game as the team's leading rusher; through three games this season he had logged multiple carries and scoring contributions. His base salary for 2025 is guaranteed in the event of...