GLENDALE – Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed on Monday that running back James Conner will season-ending surgery on his right foot following his injury in Week 3 vs. the San Francisco 49ers. The lost of Conner goes beyond the football field as Gannon highlighted what the 30-year-old meant to the franchise and its players.
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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
Cardinals HC Gannon on losing Conner for the year:
“One of our leaders, a captain, you hate that It happens. I feel terrible, but I know he’ll take the right attitude and bounce back. Picking up that slack, both the player and the person, we’re all going to have to collectively do it, truthfully. 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.”
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon looks on from the sidelines during their game against the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium on Sept 14, 2025.
Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing feels terrible for Conner, but with the quick turnaround of playing on Thursday night, is already looking for solutions. Petzing feels really “good” on the trio of running backs behind Conner: Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Bam Knight.
Benson is the clear choice to replace the two-time Pro Bowl running back, as he has the same frame and explosive play capability. Demercado and Knight are unknown commodities, while having great preseason, are unproven in real NFL snaps.
Sep 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) carries the ball as San Francisco 49ers safety Jason Pinnock (25) defends during the second half at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The Cardinals won’t get any breaks against the Seahawks, who have allowed the seventh-least amount of rushing yards in the 2025 season. The by committee running back could work for Arizona, but it will be nearly impossible to replace the production that Conner brought to the offense.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
