As reported by Albert Breer of The MMQB, the Arizona Cardinals expect running back James Conner to play in their game against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday.

Conner’s restricted practice throughout the week following his knee injury sustained during last week’s overtime defeat to Carolina is another encouraging indicator for his health, according to the source.

There’s still a possibility that Arizona may limit James Conner’s usual workload due to his injury. However, having Conner available in some capacity remains valuable for a Cardinals offense aiming to finish strong after a mixed 2024 season.

James is always ready to play. When asked about his approach to practice this week, running backs coach Autry Denson replied on Thursday, “You will never see James Conner not ready to go.”

Conner is having an exceptional season, recording a career-high 1,090 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 232 carries, after signing a two-year contract extension with the team in November.

He leads all Cardinals in first downs (66), and also adds 410 yards and a touchdown on 45 catches from 52 targets.

Additionally, Conner is poised to set a new career high for games played in a season, depending on his participation in the upcoming two games.

The status of Trey Benson is uncertain.

Trey Benson, a rookie running back, does not seem to be leaning toward playing, but Conner does.

Breer said that with Saturday drawing near, the first-year pro’s future is still uncertain.

Due to an ankle ailment that prevented him from playing against the Panthers last week, Benson was only able to participate in limited practice this week.

DeeJay Dallas and Michael Carter, who would need to be promoted from the practice squad on Friday, would be in line for larger roles in the offense if Benson is unable to play.

Following Conner’s injury last week, Carter rushed five times for eighteen yards, taking the majority of the snaps. In addition, he caught five balls for thirty yards.

In the meantime, Dallas’ first offensive play of the game was a one-yard touchdown.

Tony Jones Jr. is also available for Arizona’s practice squad if necessary.

What other Cardinals-Rams players are in doubt?

Guard Evan Brown and pass rusher Baron Browning are both listed as questionable for Saturday’s game against Los Angeles, along with Conner and Benson.

Both players were limited in practice throughout the week due to neck issues.

A Panthers player’s offensive remark captured on a hot mic goes viral.

On Sunday, Carolina Panthers safety Sam Franklin made his point with a taunt aimed at a rival Arizona Cardinals player, and he made sure it was heard loud and clear.

The Panthers were playing the Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, with less than five minutes left in overtime and the score tied at 30. Arizona had just been flagged for an ineligible man downfield penalty while facing fourth-and-24 at their own 8-yard line.

During the stoppage, Franklin took the opportunity to insult a player on the opposing team. As he walked past the referee explaining the penalty, Franklin shouted an insult that was picked up by the referee’s microphone and broadcasted over the stadium speakers.

“96, fat a–, lose some weight!” Franklin yelled.

The last laugh went to Franklin as well. The Panthers won 36-30 after the Cardinals punted on the very next play, allowing them to score the game-winning touchdown on the subsequent possession.

Franklin did not annotate the box score in any way. But for a loss he may have had, his booming insult—which went viral on X—will most likely linger longer than any tackle or sack.

Trey McBride, the star of the Cardinals, also made headlines on social media for another reason following Arizona’s heartbreaking defeat.