NFL Rumors: Cardinals Running Back to Miss Week 6

The Arizona Cardinals could be without one of their biggest stars for Week 6's matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. According to Pro Football Network's Aaron Wilson, running back James Conner is expected to miss the pivotal NFC West clash.

Sources: Cardinals' James Conner expected to miss Seattle game with rib injury, how Arizona is proceeding at running back position: @PFN365 https://t.co/Mptxnt90Bo
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 13, 2022

Conner suffered a rib injury in the team's Week 5 20-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He had been off to a hot start in the game, totalling 62 yards from scrimmage on only 10 touches before exiting after a mere 24 snaps. Eno Benjamin took the lion's share of the team's carries following Conner's departure.

Conner was a key piece in the Cardinals 11th ranked scoring offense in 2021, earning a Pro Bowl for his 1127 yards from scrimmage and 18 total touchdowns. The team's decline this year has coincided with his regression: He sports 303 yards from scrimmage and a single touchdown through five weeks, and the Cardinals rank 18th in scoring.

so you don't forget... https://t.co/HSWCobo9Gm pic.twitter.com/Ay7WApxDWv
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 7, 2022

Conner entered the league as the Pittsburgh Steelers' 105th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He earned his first Pro Bowl in 2018, proving himself a dependable runner and receiver out of the backfield with 973 rushing yards and 497 receiving yards.

Conner joined the Cardinals on a one-year deal in 2021 and had his best year since that 2018 season. The team rewarded him with a three-year, $21 million deal this offseason. The Cardinals shouldn't struggle to move the ball without him: the Seahawks rank last in the league in yards allowed.