Arizona's James Conner (shin/knee) out in Week 18
What it means:
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (shin/knee) will not play in Week 18's contest against the San Francisco 49ers.
Conner will not be available for Arizona's final game after he was ruled out with shin and knee injuries. In a matchup versus a San Francisco defense allowing 13.7 FanDuel points per game to running backs, expect Keaontay Ingram to see a lead role in Arizona's backfield.
Ingram's Week 18 FanDuel salary stands at $5,500.
Conner (shin/knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.
What it means:
The Cardinals are left with Corey Clement and Keaontay Ingram in the backfield, after mostly using Clement last week when Conner made his early exit from a 20-19 loss to Denver. There hasn't been any indication it's the sort of injury that might require surgery, and there's a good chance Conner is back with the Cardinals in 2023 given that his $5.75 million base salary is fully guaranteed, per OverTheCap. A $2 million roster bonus due in mid-March is one potential complicating factor, along with the possibility of the Cardinals bringing in a new coaching staff.
Conner (knee/shin) didn't practice Thursday, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.
What it means:
Conner was forced from the Cardinals' Week 17 loss in Atlanta with a shin injury in the fourth quarter, and while coach Kliff Kingsbury told Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com on Monday that the running back was day-to-day, he has yet to mix into drills this week. There was a positive sign Thursday when Conner took part in the team stretch during the open portion of the session, but he proceeded to hit the sidelines for individual drills. He thus has only one more chance to practice Friday before Arizona potentially makes a ruling on his status for Sunday's season finale in San Francisco. If Conner is limited or out, Keaontay Ingram and Corey Clement are the backfield options on the team's active roster, while Ty'Son Williams resides on the practice squad.
Cardinals' James Conner (knee, shin) DNP again on Thursday
What it means:
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee, shin) did not practice on Thursday ahead of Week 18's game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Conner remained absent from practice on Thursday with knee and shin injuries. Conner has now missed back-to-back practices after exiting Week 17's game early. He is trending in the wrong direction heading into Friday's practice.
The Cardinals are 14.0-point underdogs against the 49ers on Sunday. According to numberFire's DFS Heat Map, their implied team total of 13.25 points is the lowest total on Sunday's main slate.
Conner (knee/shin) was spotted at practice Thursday, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.
What it means:
After logging a 'DNP' Wednesday, Conner's presence on the field Thursday suggests that he could be available Sunday against the 49ers. The Cardinals' upcoming injury report will provide clarity with regard to the running back's official participation level.
Cardinals' James Conner (knee, shin) DNP on Wednesday
What it means:
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee, shin) did not practice on Wednesday ahead of Week 18's game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Conner did not participate in Wednesday's walk-through practice due to knee and shin injuries he sustained during Week 17. Thursday's practice report will provide more information. DeAndre Hopkins (knee) and Colt McCoy have already been ruled out for Arizona, while Marquise Brown (wrist) is expected to play.
The Cardinals are 14.0-point underdogs against the 49ers on Sunday. According to numberFire's DFS Heat Map, their implied team total of 13.25 points is the lowest total on Sunday's main slate.