Whether James Conner plays in the season finale remains unclear, but fellow running back Trey Benson will not get another carry.
The Cardinals put the third-round rookie on Injured Reserve on Tuesday with his ankle injury, ending his season. Benson had already missed the last two games.
Benson rushed for 291 yards on 63 carries this season with a touchdown, averaging 4.6 yards an attempt as Conner’s main backup. He also had six catches for 59 yards.
Replacing Benson on the roster is offensive lineman Nick Leverett, who was promoted from the practice squad. To replace Leverett on the practice squad, the Cardinals re-signed running back Hassan Hall, who was with the team in the preseason.
Veteran Michael Carter, who remains on the practice squad, has an elevation remaining and would be the starter if Conner is not able to go. Conner started in Los Angeles despite his knee injury, but coach Jonathan Gannon said he took a hit on the knee during the game and Conner came out in the first half.
Gannon said on Monday Conner’s status for the 49ers game this week is still to be determined.
