GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals have been scrambling to figure out how to recover from the season-ending injury to starting running back James Conner. Head coach Jonathan Gannon stated it would be a group effort for the rest of the season, headed by backup running back Trey Benson. However, the 2nd-year half back has missed back to back practices, forcing Arizona to bring in some possible backups.
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Sep 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Medical personal tend to Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
The Cardinals have brought in four running backs for a tryout on Tuesday. The list includes Israel Abanikanda, Jermar Jefferson, Montrell Johnson and Michael Wiley.
Who are the four RBs the Cardinals brought in?
Green Bay Packers running back Israel Abanikanda (23) is shown before their preseason game against there Seattle Seahawks Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Abanikanda is a former fifth-round pick back in 2023 by the New York Jets. He only played in the Big Apple for six games and had 22 carries for 70 yards. His most recent stop was with the Green Bay Packers for preseason, but he was cut from the 53-man roster.
Jefferson is a former Oregon State Beaver, who has made two stops with the Detroit Lions in 2021 and 2024. In nine appearances, the 25-year-old had 21 carries for 96 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Johnson is a 5’11, 200 pound back that spent his final three collegiate career in Florida. He averaged over five yards per carry in his time with the Gators and recorded 21 touchdowns. Johnson went undrafted in the 2025 draft, but signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent. However his time with the Super Bowl champs was cut short soon afterwards.
Aug 25, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders running back Michael Wiley (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots during a preseason game at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Wiley was the final name mentioned in the RB tryouts. The 24-year-old is a former Arizona Wildcats running back, who signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024. He hasn’t recorded a single NFL snap, but keeps eyes for an opportunity, this time with a team in his old college stomping grounds.
Cardinals problems for 2025 season are very “correctable” according HC Gannon
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
