Cardinals Place James Conner on Injured Reserve

Arizona placed its running back on injured reserve in August as he continues recovering from a foot injury suffered in 2025.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Football

Wide photograph of an empty red and white stadium seating section and a painted yard line on green turf under a clear desert sky. — Arizona placed running back James Conner on injured reserve in August as he continues recovering from a foot injury suffered during the 2025 season. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Arizona Cardinals placed running back James Conner on injured reserve in August 2026. Conner has not played since Week 3 of the 2025 season, when he suffered a foot injury against the 49ers.

Why it matters

Conner's absence leaves the Cardinals without a proven veteran option in their backfield while the team sits at 3-6. The move also affects fantasy managers who had considered him a potential primary back.

The players

James Conner

James Conner is a running back who has played for the Arizona Cardinals and is known for his career as a power back in the NFL.

Mike LaFleur

Mike LaFleur is the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals who announced the decision to place Conner on injured reserve.

The details

Head coach Mike LaFleur said the placement was in the best interest of the player and organization to give Conner more time. On November 4, LaFleur said Conner is fighting to put himself in position to perform.

2025 Week 3: Conner suffers a foot injury against the 49ers.
March 2026: Conner reworks his contract to remain with the Cardinals.
August 2026: The Cardinals place Conner on injured reserve.
November 4, 2026: LaFleur says Conner is taken week-to-week.
Week 14, 2026: The Cardinals' bye week.

Season Trajectory

The move follows the standard NFL injured reserve process, which keeps a player off the active roster for an extended recovery window. For a 3-6 Cardinals team, it reshapes the backfield plan for the second half of the season.

Fantasy managers should weigh Conner's injured reserve status before adding him, since he is rostered in only 5 percent of Yahoo leagues. The Cardinals' bye in Week 14 gives the team a break before the stretch run.

The takeaway

Injury recovery timelines in the NFL can shift quickly, so readers tracking Conner should watch for updates from the team rather than assume a fixed return. Monitoring official injury reports is the most reliable way to follow his status.