Conner expected to play Week 15

Cardinals RB James Conner (ankle) is expected to play vs. the Lions today, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Conner is listed as questionable after getting in just a limited practice on Friday, so don't expect him to be at 100%. That -- plus the return of Chase Edmonds -- knocks Conner into lower-end RB2 territory this week. The matchup, of course, adds plenty of upside.

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.