Cardinals Football Faces Season-Changing Injury Blow as James Conner Goes Down: What It Means for Arizona’s NFC West Battle
The 2025 season has already proven to be a dramatic one for cardinals football, with a mix of promising starts, crushing setbacks, and high-profile moments on and off the field. From losing star running back James Conner to unveiling new rivalry uniforms against the Seattle Seahawks, the Arizona Cardinals are navigating a year that could define the future of the franchise.
Cardinals Football 2025 Season Overview
The Arizona Cardinals entered the 2025 NFL campaign aiming to rebound from an 8–9 record in 2024. Under head coach Jonathan Gannon, the team began strongly with a 2–0 start, their best opening stretch since 2021. Despite competing in a tough NFC West, the Cardinals demonstrated early signs of resilience and determination.
A quick look at the season highlights so far:
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Season | 2025 NFL, 106th in franchise history |
| Head Coach | Jonathan Gannon |
| Record (Start) | 2–0 |
| Division | NFC West |
| Key Challenge | Replacing James Conner |
With early momentum on their side, the team looked ready to battle for a playoff push, but injuries quickly reshaped the outlook.
James Conner’s Injury Leaves a Major Void
Veteran running back James Conner suffered a devastating ankle injury in Week 3 that required surgery, ruling him out for the season. Before his setback, Conner had produced 95 rushing yards and 38 receiving yards, reaffirming his value as a dual-threat weapon.
The loss has left Arizona scrambling to rebuild its rushing attack, now leaning on trey benson and Emari Demercado. Benson, a rookie with impressive upside, is expected to carry more of the load as the team reshapes its offensive playbook.
Key running back responsibilities without Conner:
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Trey Benson: Expected primary rusher
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Emari Demercado: Complementary back with pass-catching skills
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Michael Carter: Elevated from practice squad for depth
This transition places added pressure on quarterback Kyler Murray and rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. to step up and keep the offense dynamic.
New Rivalry Uniforms and End Zone Redesign
As part of the NFL and Nike’s Rivalries Program, the Cardinals introduced a striking new uniform and end zone design ahead of their Thursday night showdown with Seattle. Inspired by Arizona’s desert landscape and state flag, the uniforms feature sandstorm tones, matte finishes, and a copper-beaked helmet logo.
The redesigned end zone showcases 13 red and yellow rays with a copper star against a blue background, symbolizing Arizona’s resilience. Team owner Michael Bidwill described the look as a celebration of the state’s identity while fueling intensity in divisional battles.
Roster Adjustments and Depth Moves
To address lineup gaps, Arizona promoted running back Michael Carter and defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow from the practice squad before Week 4. At the same time, the offensive line welcomed back Paris Johnson Jr., who recovered from a knee issue, while cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting remained sidelined on the non-football injury list.
Notable roster updates:
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Baron Browning: Re-signed to a two-year contract earlier this year
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Budda Baker: Anchoring the defense following his contract extension
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Will Johnson: Ruled out with a groin injury
These moves highlight the team’s focus on balancing development with immediate competitiveness.
Seahawks vs. Cardinals: Thursday Night Football Clash
The Seattle Seahawks visit the Cardinals in a critical NFC West showdown, with both teams entering Week 4 at 2–1. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET at State Farm Stadium and will air on Prime Video.
Matchup snapshot:
| Team | Record | Key Strength | Series History |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinals | 2–1 | Kyler Murray & passing game | 22–29–1 |
| Seahawks | 2–1 | NFL-best defense (179 YPG) | 29–22–1 lead |
Oddsmakers slightly favor Seattle by 1.5 points, with an over/under of 43.5. For Arizona, the key lies in maximizing Murray’s playmaking and giving rookies like Marvin Harrison Jr. and trey benson a chance to shine against one of the league’s stingiest defenses.
Larry Fitzgerald: Hall of Fame Spotlight
Away from the current season, franchise legend Larry Fitzgerald has been nominated for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. With 1,432 receptions, 17,492 yards, and 121 touchdowns, Fitzgerald remains the greatest receiver in Cardinals history and a symbol of the team’s identity. His legacy continues to inspire the new generation as Arizona builds toward its future.
