Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner was placed on injured reserve Tuesday with a knee injury.
Conner, 28, injured his knee in the second quarter of Sunday’s 34-20 loss to the visiting Cincinnati Bengals. He went to the medical tent on the sideline before heading to the locker room and did not return.
Conner ran for 46 yards on six carries before the injury and a team-leading 364 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
By being placed on injured reserve, Conner will miss a minimum of four games. He is eligible to return for the Cardinals’ home game against the Atlanta Falcons Nov. 12.
“Nobody is going to fill James’ shoes perfectly,” Arizona offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said.
To help fill the void, the Cardinals picked up Tony Jones Jr. off waivers. Jones, 25, started the season with the New Orleans Saints and has notched 21 rushing attempts for 70 yards and two touchdowns this season.
The Cardinals likely will lean on undrafted rookie Emari Demercado. He had 10 carries for 45 yards and a touchdown and one reception for 12 yards in relief of Conner on Sunday.
“I don’t think a lot changes,” Petzing said. “A.D. (running backs coach Autry Denson) does a good job getting all those guys ready, and I think you saw that when (Conner) went out in the game.
“I think Emari did a great job with that and I expect everybody in the room to pick up the slack.”
The Cardinals (1-4) will be on the road for the next two games, starting with a visit to the Los Angeles Rams (2-3) this Sunday followed by a trip to Seattle.
–Field Level Media