Cardinals going with "hot hand" in the backfield?

ESPN's Josh Weinfuss believes Cardinals RBs Chase Edmonds and James Conner will "split the primary reps to start, with whoever has the hot hand getting the ball." Fantasy drafters are clearly expecting Edmonds to lead this backfield, taking him about 3 rounds ahead of Conner. We'll see if we get more clarity on the situation over the next month, but Conner is probably the better shot at ADP right now.

Cardinals beat writer Bob McManaman expects the team to “squeeze even more” out of James Conner early next season. Conner signed a new contract this offseason, and Arizona will be without DeAndre Hopkins for the first 6 games. “We’ve got to be better at it,” HC Kliff Kingsbury said. “We didn’t run the ball great late last year when we needed to and when you look at those teams that made a run, they were able to still sustain the run, especially when you lose a top player like that [Hopkins]. So, we’ve got to be able to establish that early.” After losing Chase Edmonds in free agency, Conner’s current backfield competition includes Eno Benjamin and rookie Keaontay Ingram.

The Cardinals are signing RB James Conner to a 3-year contract worth up to $25.5 million ($13.5 million guaranteed). Conner, who scored 18 times in 2021, heads back to Arizona on the same day that Miami signed Chase Edmonds. Look for Arizona to add a complimentary backfield piece, either in the draft or in free agency. Conner’s currently coming off the board as the RB29 in FFPC drafts, but that number will certainly rise in the coming days.

Cardinals RB James Conner (ribs) returned to practice on Saturday. HC Kliff Kingsbury said the veteran was “able to do some things” during the session, per ESPN's Josh Weinfuss. (Thanks, coach.) Conner remains a game-time decision for Monday night, but today’s development makes him a small favorite to play against L.A.

Cardinals RB James Conner (ribs) remained out and RB Chase Edmonds (ribs, toe) remained limited on Friday. Both guys will be game-time decisions, according to HC Kliff Kingsbury, but Edmonds looks like the safer bet to play at this point. We'll get Arizona's final injury report on Saturday afternoon.

Cardinals RB James Conner (ribs) did not practice on Thursday. RB Chase Edmonds (ribs, toe) was limited. HC Kliff Kingsbury labeled both guys game-time decisions for Monday night's Wild Card game vs. the Rams, but Edmonds appears to be the healthier of the 2 right now. We'll get another update on the situation on Friday afternoon.