James Conner: Everything you need to know

Conner (foot) participated at the start of the Cardinals' offseason program Tuesday, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports. Conner's 2025 campaign was abbreviated due to a foot injury that required surgery and a stint on injured reserve after Week 3. He then worked out a restructured contract with the Cardinals in early March that left him with $2.1 million guaranteed in 2026. The team added Tyler Allgeier to its backfield this offseason on a two-year contract with $8 million in guarantees, while 2024 third-round pick Trey Benson (knee) also remains on the roster. Conner has been Arizona's lead runner since 2021 when healthy, but because he's entering his age-31 season, he may cede more of the RB reps to Allgeier this fall under new coach Mike LaFleur.

The Cardinals and Conner agreed to a restructured contract Sunday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. The details of the revisions are not yet public, but the move ensures that Conner will be in Arizona for the 2026 season. The veteran running back was limited to just three regular-season games in 2025 before suffering a foot injury in September that required season-ending surgery. Assuming he's healthy for the start of next season, Conner should operate as the Cardinals' RB1 while Trey Benson (knee) serves as the top backup option in the backfield.

The Cardinals placed Conner (foot) on injured reserve Tuesday. It's merely a procedural move, as Conner has already been ruled out for the season after he was injured in Sunday's loss to the 49ers. Conner's season is cut short after rushing 32 times for 95 yards and one touchdown. He added eight catches for 38 yards and an additional score as a receiver. With Conner done for the year, the Cardinals are set to roll with Trey Benson and Emari Demercado out of the backfield.