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With James Conner Ailing, Cardinals Claim Running Back

Team gets Tony Jones Jr. on waivers with veteran starter potentially missing time

Running back James Conner flies during the end of his 35-yard run on Sunday against the Bengals.
Running back James Conner flies during the end of his 35-yard run on Sunday against the Bengals.

James Conner is hurting, and Keaontay Ingram has also missed time.

So the Cardinals claimed running back Tony Jones Jr. on Monday off waivers from the Saints, trying to bolster their running back corps.

"It doesn't mean anything for James right now," coach Jonathan Gannon said. "(Tony) is a guy we felt could possibly help us."

Conner hurt his knee after a spectacular 35-yard run against the Bengals on Sunday. He looked like he tried to return to the game but the Cardinals instead turned to rookie Emari Demercado. Gannon said Conner's situation was still being evaluated.

"I'm not trying to be coy, it just takes a little bit of time to figure out injuries," Gannon said about both the injury to Conner and safety Jalen Thompson (hamstring). "Opinions from people, what's the best thing to do for everybody. Still sorting it out."

Gannon later said during an appearance on the "Burns and Gambo" show on Arizona Sports that Conner could miss "a little bit of time."

The Cardinals had also elevated running back Corey Clement the past two weeks from the practice squad, but he has not yet played an offensive snap.

Conner, who had been the third-leading rusher in the NFL going into Week 5, had 46 yards on six carries Sunday before getting hurt.

Ingram has missed the last two games after hurting his neck in practice.

Jones has 88 carries for 249 yards rushing in a career that started in 2020, and he has spent time with the Saints and the Seahawks. He had 70 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries for the Saints this season before he was cut once Alvin Kamara returned from suspension.

The Cardinals had two open roster spots, so Jones will fill one. Offensive lineman Dennis Daley and cornerback Garrett Williams remain on their respective injury lists but are within the open practice window to return to play.

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