The Arizona Cardinals experienced a setback when running back James Conner was sidelined early during Sunday’s game.
Conner received a handoff early in the second half of their narrow 16-15 defeat against the San Francisco 49ers, and he encountered a forceful collision in the backfield with Marques Sigle. As Sigle tackled him, he made direct contact with Conner’s legs. Conner’s right ankle appeared to twist unnaturally as he fell, and he immediately clutched at it after the whistle was blown.
He remained on the ground for an extended period. Eventually, he was taken off the field on a cart, but the entire Cardinals sideline came out to support him before he departed for the locker room. Several 49ers players also offered their support.
Shortly afterward, the Cardinals officially announced that he was out for the game due to an ankle injury. Detailed information regarding the injury is not yet available.
Conner, currently in his fifth season with the Cardinals, began Sunday’s game having accumulated 73 yards and one touchdown on 23 carries this season. He had gained 22 yards on nine carries when he was injured on Sunday afternoon, along with an additional 15 yards on three receptions.
The Cardinals trailed 6-3 at halftime at Levi’s Stadium. They concluded that drive, which was their first in the second half, with a 28-yard field goal by Chad Ryland to level the score.
Despite Arizona briefly taking the lead with a safety late in the game, Mac Jones orchestrated a drive down the field and skillfully positioned Eddie Pineiro for a game-winning field goal, securing the one-point victory. This win improved their record to a flawless 3-0 for the season, with two of those wins achieved without their primary quarterback. The Cardinals now hold a 2-1 record.
