The Cardinals believe RB James Conner's right ankle injury is season-ending, although that prognosis isn't yet official, according to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss. It certainly looked like a season-ender when Conner had to be carted off the field in the loss to the 49ers. We should get final confirmation on Monday.

Update: ESPN's Adam Schefter now confirms that Conner will need season-ending surgery. "The injury is considered 'severe,' even if the team does not yet know the full extent of the damage," Schefter adds.

Cardinals RB James Conner was carted off in the third quarter of Sunday's game vs. the 49ers. The injury was gruesome enough that the broadcast did not show the replay. We'll update Conner's status when we know more, but this looks like a season-ender. That'd turn Trey Benson into Arizona's clear lead back and fantasy starter.

Update: Conner has been ruled out with an ankle injury.

Cardinals RB Trey Benson was more involved than expected in Sunday's season-opening win over the Saints. He finished with eight carries and one target, while RB James Conner tallied 12 carries and four targets. Benson finished with 69 yards on his eight totes -- although 52 of those yards came on one run. He averaged just 2.4 yards per carry on his other seven carries. Conner also found little room to run, averaging 3.3 yards on his 12 attempts. He saved his fantasy day with a four-yard receiving score on a shovel pass in the second quarter.

"Absolutely." That was Cardinals OC Drew Petzing's response when asked Monday whether RB James Conner is still the team's workhorse. "I think James has proven that over the last couple years," Petzing added. "Just the way he carries the ball and what he brings to the offense. I think that’s always gonna be the case.”

Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon said RB James Conner is "getting himself ready to carry the load for us."

Cardinals RB James Conner (knee) won't play in this weekend's game vs. the 49ers, HC Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday. RB Trey Benson (ankle) was placed on IR on Tuesday, leaving Michael Carter as Arizona's lead back for the finale. He out-touched RB DeeJay Dallas 15-1 in last week's loss to the Rams and sits surprisingly high in the Week 18 RB Rankings.

Cardinals RB James Conner (knee) is active for tonight’s game vs. the Rams. RB Trey Benson (ankle) is inactive, leaving RBs Michael Carter and DeeJay Dallas behind Conner. Conner was limited in practice all week and listed as questionable after hurting his knee six days ago. He won’t be at 100% tonight and could have his touches scaled back with the Cardinals eliminated from postseason contention. Check your Team Intel page to see if Conner belongs in your starting lineup.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirms that Cardinals RB James Conner (knee) is expected to play vs. the Rams tonight. Rapoport also confirms that Conner will be playing "at less than 100%" just six days after injuring his knee. Arizona was eliminated from playoff contention last week, so it's possible that Conner's workload is scaled back. Of course, he'd been producing as a fantasy RB1 when healthy, so he could still post useful numbers even with a reduced role. See where Conner lands in the Week 17 RB Rankings.

The Cardinals expect RB James Conner (knee) to play vs. the Rams on Saturday night, according to Amazon's Albert Breer. RB Trey Benson (ankle) remains "up in the air," Breer added. Conner got in three limited practices this week and is listed as questionable. It's safe to assume he won't be at 100% tomorrow. And, with the Cardinals having nothing to play for, Conner's volume could be scaled back. We'll look for any reports on his expected workload. For now, consider him a risk/reward RB2 in Week 17 fantasy lineups.

Cardinals RBs James Conner (knee) and Trey Benson (ankle) are listed as questionable for Saturday's game vs. the Rams. Both guys were limited in practice all week. HC Jonathan Gannon said Conner has progressed well throughout the week, so it sounds like he has a legitimate chance to play. We'll look for further updates on Conner and Benson and get Arizona's inactives a little after 6:30 pm ET on Saturday. If both guys are out, Michael Carter would be the favorite for touches in the Cardinals backfield.

Cardinals RBs James Conner (knee) and Trey Benson (ankle) were listed as limited participants in Wednesday's practice. Both guys seemingly have a chance to play vs. the Rams on Saturday night. We'll get Arizona's final injury report on Thursday afternoon.

Cardinals RB James Conner is questionable to return to Sunday's game vs. the Panthers with a right knee injury. He was having a huge game before going down, running for 117 yards and a score and catching four balls for 49 yards. With RBs Trey Benson and Emari Demercardo out, Arizona is down to RBs Michael Carter and DeeJay Dallas.

Cardinals RB Trey Benson (ankle) is out for Sunday's game vs. the Panthers. With RB Emari Demercado on IR, Arizona is down to RB DeeJay Dallas behind RB James Conner. Expect another busy outing for Conner this weekend against Carolina's league-worst RB defense.