JamesConner

News: 14 hours agoConner is listed as the Cardinals' No. 1 running back on the team's second unofficial depth chart of training camp, Jeremy Cluff of The Arizona Republic reports.

Spin: This comes as no surprise considering Conner has started all 26 regular-season games in which he's been available for Arizona the last two seasons. He's also coming off a career-high 1,040 rushing yards while tallying 27 catches for 165 yards and nine total touchdowns in 13 appearances during the 2023 campaign. The team bolstered its backfield in the offseason with the selection of Trey Benson in the third round of the draft, and holdovers Emari Demercado and Michael Carter had brief moments of output last season. As long as Conner stays healthy, though, the 29-year-old should remain the top option at running back for the Cards in 2024.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Despite missing four games due to a knee issue, Conner emerged as Arizona's most reliable offensive weapon, regularly carrying the load (18 touches per game) and finding surprising efficiency (5.1 YPT, RB16) despite erratic QB play. Conner averaged 80 rush yards per game and cleared 1,000 yards on the ground for the first time in his seven-year career. He also recorded seven rushing scores for the second straight season. At 29 years old and in the final year of his current contract, Conner's time in the desert is likely coming to a close, as evidenced by the team's addition of Trey Benson in the third round of April's draft. The rookie might steal a few snaps and touches from Conner, but the vet figures to see enough volume to garner RB2 consideration.