Ossenfort: James Conner progressing well, could return soon

The Arizona Cardinals’ rushing attack is ranked 22nd in the league this season, averaging 96.3 rushing yards per game as a team, but reinforcements might be on the way.

Cardinals’ general manager Monti Ossenfort told Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke on Friday that running back James Conner is progressing well from the season-ending foot injury that he sustained last year.

“James is really close to a return,” Ossenfort said. “He’s going to continue to work and be ready to go. There are some roster construction considerations that go into that, but James is doing great. As always, he’s been a positive influence on the team, and he’s progressing well in his rehab.”

Conner suffered the injury during Week 3 last season against the San Francisco 49ers, when he was carted off the field.

Since then, the Cardinals drafted running back Jeremiyah Love third overall and signed running back Tyler Allgeier to a two-year, $12.25 million deal leaving the room crowded for when Conner returns.

Conner’s best season came in 2024, when he rushed for 1,094 yards and eight touchdowns, while also amounting 414 receiving yards.

So far this season, Love has rushed for 245 yards and one touchdown in five games. He’s currently nursing an ankle injury and will miss his second straight game this week.

Allgeier has rushed for 157 yards and one touchdown so far this season.

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