The Arizona Cardinals head to SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Rams with little to play for other than pride. However, the Cardinals do not head on the road with a completely clean bill of health.
They have four key players listed on their injury report, including two running backs and an offensive lineman. Additionally, they hoped to be getting their No. 1 kicker back this weekend.
Let’s take a look at the injuries the Cardinals are dealing with heading into kickoff.
James Conner, RB
After leaving last weekend’s game with a knee injury, James Conner has been limited all week at practice. He finished the practice week listed as questionable, leaving him with a chance to suit up against the Rams.
Recent reports indicate that Conner is going to suit up. This one does not make a lot of sense for Conner or the Cardinals. The team was eliminated from the playoffs last week, and Conner has already secured a contract extension. Additionally, he passed 1,000 rushing yards and reached 1,500 scrimmage yards last week, setting new career highs.
It seems unlikely that Conner is going to handle a heavy workload in this game and could easily be pulled if he is not at 100% when the game begins.
Trey Benson, RB
Trey Benson looks to be trending towards playing, having missed last week with an ankle injury. This is a positive sign for the rookie, and if Conner were to be a surprise inactive, Benson could see a solid workload.
However, much like with Conner, there is limited value for the Cardinals in giving Benson a huge workload, unless they are not sure about his future. With the Cardinals already out of the playoffs, any time that Benson gets would largely be about experience and reps at this point. He has 63 carries and six targets in his rookie season, so the Cardinals may use this as an opportunity to get him more practice within the offense.
Matt Prater, K
Matt Prater will not suit up for the Cardinals in Week 17 despite being limited for six straight practices. His window for activation will come next week, but understandably, the Cardinals are taking a cautious approach with their veteran kicker.
Chad Ryaland will continue to be the Cardinals’ kicker this week, and it is not unreasonable to think that the Cardinals may let him finish out the season in the role. This would give Ryland a valuable opportunity to put himself in the window for a job in 2025. So far this season, he has made 25 of his 29 field goal attempts and all 21 of his extra points.
Evan Brown, OL
Evan Brown will miss his first game of the season after playing 880 offensive snaps and 65 special team snaps so far this season. He has been a key part of a good Cardinals offensive line, and his absence will likely be felt. He is dealing with a neck injury, so it would not be hugely surprising if the Cardinals decided to shut him down after this week.