Cardinals running back James Conner is scheduled for ankle surgery and unlikely to return this season, pushing Trey Benson into a starting role in Arizona.
Conner was carted to the locker room after being tackled in the third quarter of Sunday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He had nine carries for 22 yards in the game and totaled 95 rushing yards in two-plus games this season.
Conner, 30, was hit at the shoulder pads while also being clipped low. Teammates called for trainers and several players on both teams gathered around the two-time Pro Bowler to wish him well as he left the field on a cart.
Benson had 10 carries for 42 yards in the second half of the 16-15 setback.
Benson leads the team with 125 rushing yards on 21 carries and called Conner his role model. He said he plans to pick up the slack for Arizona (2-1).
“I don’t have a choice,” he said. “I’m going to do it for (Conner). He’s going to be my motivation for the rest of the year and I can’t wait.”
Michael Carter is on the Arizona practice squad and would be a candidate to join the active roster when the Cardinals officially transfer Conner to injured reserve.
Bam Knight and Emari Demercado are the current backups on the 53-man roster. Demercado has been the primary third-down back.
“You just got to regather yourself, try to keep going. Do it for him,” Demercado said.