Cardinals Managing James Conner Recovery as OTA QB Situation Develops

The Arizona Cardinals are working through the early stages of organized team activities with a focus on both player development and injury recovery as they prepare for the 2026 season. Among the most closely monitored situations is the status of veteran running back James Conner, who is still working his way back from a foot injury that limited him significantly last year.

Conner appeared at OTAs but was observed participating only in limited capacity, working off to the side with trainers rather than fully joining team drills. The approach reflects the team’s cautious handling of a key offensive contributor coming off a shortened campaign.

The injury dates back to a Week 3 setback against the San Francisco 49ers, an issue that ultimately restricted him to just three appearances last season. That absence left a noticeable gap in Arizona’s offensive production and reinforced the importance of his recovery timeline heading into this year.

While the Cardinals are optimistic about his progress, there remains no definitive timetable for when Conner will return to full participation. The organization continues to balance caution with the need to reintegrate him into a central offensive role.

1. Gradual Return From Injury

Conner’s limited participation in OTAs signals a structured and deliberate recovery plan rather than any setback in his rehabilitation. Working alongside trainers allows him to maintain conditioning while avoiding unnecessary contact during the early offseason phase. The Cardinals have prioritized long-term health over short-term availability, particularly given Conner’s importance to the ground game. His physical style of running makes full recovery especially critical before any competitive workload resumes. According to reporting from Theo Mackie of AZC Sports, Conner has been present at team activities but has not yet been cleared for full-team drills. That alignment between medical staff and coaching personnel suggests a unified approach to his progression. While optimism exists within the organization, the team is expected to monitor his workload carefully throughout the remainder of the offseason program before making any adjustments heading into training camp.

2. Offensive Depth And Emerging Options

In Conner’s absence from full participation, the Cardinals have leaned on additional depth at running back to maintain offensive structure during OTAs. Rookie Jeremiyah Love is expected to play a significant role in both the short and long term, offering a versatile complement to the team’s ground attack. The presence of younger contributors allows the coaching staff to experiment with different personnel groupings while easing Conner back into the system. That flexibility is particularly valuable during voluntary offseason workouts, where evaluation often takes priority over established roles. Arizona’s offensive planning reflects a broader effort to ensure continuity even when key veterans are unavailable. The team is attempting to build a more adaptable backfield rotation capable of absorbing injuries without a major drop in production. Once Conner returns to full strength, the expectation is that he will resume a leading role in the offense, though his workload may be managed more carefully given his injury history.

3. Broader Roster Context And Quarterback Uncertainty

Beyond the running back situation, the Cardinals are also navigating uncertainty at the quarterback position during OTAs. Veteran Jacoby Brissett was not present at the team’s opening practice as he seeks adjustments to his 2026 compensation outlook following his performance last season. Brissett’s absence adds another layer of complexity to an offseason already defined by evaluation and roster reshaping. His role became more prominent after starter Kyler Murray was sidelined with injury last year, but his future standing with the team remains unresolved. In his absence, quarterbacks Gardner Minshew and Carson Beck have taken increased reps, positioning themselves as potential options depending on how the situation develops. That competition could extend into training camp if Brissett’s contract situation remains unsettled. Despite these uncertainties, the Cardinals remain focused on improving after a difficult previous season. Competing in a challenging division, the team is relying on depth development and internal competition to raise its overall performance level.