Cardinals RB James Conner (knee) to sit out finale vs. 49ers

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers due to a knee injury, coach Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday.

Conner, 29, initially sustained his injury in Arizona's 36-30 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers on Dec. 22. He was able to play this past weekend, however he exited the Cardinals' 13-9 setback to the Los Angeles Rams after just four carries for 4 yards.

Signed to a two-year contract extension in November, Conner recorded career-high totals in carries (236), rushing yards (1,094) and games played (16). He also had eight touchdowns for the Cardinals (7-9), who have lost five of their last six games heading into season finale against the 49ers (6-10) in Glendale, Ariz.

With rookie Trey Benson (ankle) just placed on injured reserve, Michael Carter likely will receive the bulk of the workload in the backfield versus San Francisco.

A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Conner has rushed for 5,970 yards and 59 touchdowns to go along with 281 receptions for 2,217 yards and 11 scores in 107 career games (81 starts) with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2017-20) and Cardinals.

Conner was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

--Field Level Media