RB Michael Carter signed to active roster as James Conner placed on IR

Conner’s season ends after 16 games, 1,094 rushing yards and 1,508 total yards from scrimmage.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon ruled out running back James Conner for the final game of the season when he addressed reporters Wednesday before practice.

Conner season has officially ended, as the Cardinals placed him on injured reserve.

In a move that should surprise nobody, they signed running back Michael Carter from the practice squad to the active roster. Carter rushed for 70 yards on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams and will become the presumed starter in Week 18 against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Cardinals now have three running backs on injured reserve: Conner, rookie Trey Benson, who was placed on IR earlier this week, and Emari Demercado, who has been on IR for a couple of weeks.

Carter and DeeJay Dallas are the only running backs on the active roster.

They also have Tony Jones Jr. and Hassan Hall on the practice squad. Jones will likely be elevated to the active roster to play on Sunday.

Conner’s season ends setting career-highs in games played (16), rushing yards (1,094) and yards from scrimmage (1,508). He scored nine total touchdowns (eight rushing, one receiving) and averaged 4.6 yards per rush, the second-highest average of his career.

Conner is signed for two more seasons after agreeing to a contract extension during the season.

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