Is James Conner playing tonight vs LA Rams? Cardinals RB's status revealed for Week 17 showdown

James Conner is in his fourth season as the starting running back for the Arizona Cardinals. He has been a consistent part of the Cardinals' ever-revolving offense. Conner's tools as a workhorse running back and skills as a pass catcher have been evident since his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and he's continued the production with the Cardinals.

Let's examine Conner's availability ahead of his side's Week 17 matchup versus the Los Angeles Rams on Friday.

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Is James Conner playing tonight?

James Conner will be lacing up tonight against the Los Angeles Rams. The Arizona Cardinals activated the two-time Pro Bowler for the diviisonal duel at SoFi Stadium, hours before the kickoff.

Conner has a knee injury and was limited in all three training sessions. He suffered the injury in his side's overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Conner isn't the only Carolina Panthers star on the injury report ahead of Week 17. Safety Joey Blount is out due to an injury to his ribs and kicker Matt Prater will not feature because of an injury to his left knee. Due to various injury issues, Trey Benson, Evan Brown and Baron Browning are all questionable.

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How is James Conner performing this season?

James Conner is having a splendid season for the Arizona Cardinals. He is a major reason the Cardinals are second in the league in yards per carry and fifth in rushing yards.

Conner has amassed a stat line of 232 carries, 1,090 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He has also been a factor as a pass catcher, amassing 45 catches, 410 receiving yards and one touchdown.

However, despite Conner's efforts, the Cardinals will not play in this season's playoffs. After their bye week, the franchise was eliminated after a poor run of form.

The Cardinals lost four out of five games, including defeats to the Seattle Seahawks (twice) and Minnesota Vikings and a heartbreaking overtime defeat against the Bryce Young-led Carolina Panthers. They'll now focus on retooling and running it back in the 2025 regular season.