Tyler Allgeier signed a $12.25 million deal with Arizona hoping to become the lead back, but his role was immediately threatened when the Cardinals drafted Jeremiyah Love third overall. This high-profile selection creates a crowded and confusing backfield for fantasy purposes, especially with veteran James Conner and Trey Benson still in the rotation.
Allgeier will shift into short-yardage and goal-line duties, and the rookie Love is expected to dominate the team’s rushing and pass-catching opportunities in 2026. Allgeier will have moderate standalone value as a key cog in the high octane Cardinals defense and will continue to be the league’s premier upside handcuff back.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot) had his ...
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot) faces ...
The Arizona Cardinals and two-time Pro Bowl running back ...
While John Harbaugh is “running the show” in New York and views Love as a versatile offensive weapon, the Giants are also considering a “perfect scenario” trade-down into the 6-10 range to target Ohio State defenders Caleb Downs or Sonny Styles. Though, Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr. offer an effective 1-2 punch at running back, New York has experience squandering premium draft capital on the RB position in the Top-5.
Raanan also reported that multiple NFL teams have Love as “their top graded player,” though not necessarily No. 1 on their big board.
Meanwhile, SNY’s Connor Hughes stated “Don’t be surprised,” if Arizona drafts Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love. Despite a backfield already crowded with veterans like James Conner and Tyler Allgeier, the Cardinals may still select Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 as the best player available, potentially snatching him away from other interested suitors like the Titans and Giants. If Arizona pulls the trigger on the Notre Dame star, Love is projected to eventually outshine his teammates and emerge as the team’s undisputed lead running back.
The bottom line is NFL’s love is real for Love. He is making a real push for the RB3 spot in fantasy football dynasty league rankings.
The Arizona Cardinals have had a rough time with injury lately having lost running back James Conner for the season. Now Trey Benson will miss at least the next 4 games with a knee injury.
Benson will head to IR while Michael Carter and Emari Demercado are set to fill in for at least the next month. The news comes as a blow to fantasy gamers who were excited for Benson to be a league winner. Having been drafted in the double digit rounds, he was set to be a Zero RB hero.
In such a short time to start the NFL season, fantasy gamers are having to turn to 3rd and sometimes 4th options at the running back position. For fantasy, expect a decent split between Carter and Demercardo with some favor towards Carter who recently let it slip in an interview that he may be the starter.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
The Arizona Cardinals suffered a tremendous blow in losing running back James Conner after suffering a serious ankle injury in Sunday’s 16-15 loss to the division rival San Francisco 49ers. Surgery is expected in what will amount to a lost season for the 30 year-old back.
James Conner has fought many battles on and off the field, most notably overcoming cancer in 2015. Conner’s absence will open up a 60.8% opportunity share to be taken by backfield mate Trey Benson. While Benson will split duties with satellite back Emari Demercado, expect Benson to get the bulk of opportunity as the RB1 in the Cardinals offense.
While the Cardinals may trade for a running back or sign one off of the practice squad, expect Benson to fill Conner’s role on a 1:1 basis. Benson is shaping up to be a league winner for those who have him rostered.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
Running back James Conner has had his healthiest season in years. This is only the second season he has reached at least 15 games in his 8 years in the league. Conner is a bruising power back, so it is testament to his toughness as a player who is reaching the later years of his career. Conner has been a reliable starter for the Cardinals since joining the team in 2021. He has averaged no less than 15 points a game since. With this latest knee injury it is wise to shut him down since the Cardinals were eliminated from playoff contention. Journeyman running back Michael Carter was elevated from practice squad to replace Conner. Carter will likely get most of the carries as rookie running back Trey Benson was just recently put on IR as well.
With the season coming to close, the Cardinals are looking to get their top two RBs healthy for next season. This season was a disappointment on offense as quarterback Kyler Murray was expected to take the offense to another level. Conner will still start as long as he’s healthy, Should Conner slow down any, Benson will take the reigns from there. This offense should progress with the young weapons going ahead.
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Veteran running back James Conner is being rewarded for his toughness by signing a 2 year contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals. Conner became the epitome of resilience by overcoming cancer while in college. He then became the Cardinals’ bellcow runing back after being let go by the Pittburgh Steelers. Even though he has battled some injuries here and there, he has been good ole reliable for the Cards.
Conner shows no signs of slowing down even approaching the age of 30. He is currently RB17 on the season after being drafted RB19. Conner has been reliable for fantasy owners as he has been for the Cardinals. He isn’t going to win you your leagues but he is a consistent scorer for your team. He will likely keep it rolling for fantasy and the Cardinals for the remainder of this contract.
