Conner’s season-ending IR timing reshapes the backfield, elevating Carter’s early-down work and tightening the Cardinals’ RB pecking order.

Conner was sidelined, opening a larger early-season role for Demercado. His return is pivotal for the backfield balance and red-zone opportunities. Conner's health and timetable will determine whether Arizona deploys a true committee or grants Demercado a lead workload, reshaping fantasy expectations.

<p>Conner’s season-ending injury leaves a leadership void and a thinner backfield, forcing the Cardinals to lean on inexperienced depth and question the run game's future direction.</p>

Conner out in the cited context; if healthy, he would lead Arizona’s backfield, dictating Demercado’s role and the overall committee dynamics.

Conner is out for the season; Arizona shifts to a committee backfield featuring Demercado, Michael Carter, and Bam Knight.