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Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner appears to be living up to his name after conning fantasy managers out of an early round draft pick. Conner started the season with underwhelming production before sustaining a rib injury in Week 5 that kept him sidelined for three subsequent games.
His status for Week 9’s game against the Seattle Seahawks is uncertain with head coach Kliff Kingsbury calling him a game-time decision heading into the weekend.
Eno Benjamin has stepped into the lead role among Arizona’s backfield in Conner’s absence. Now that fellow backup Darrel Williams has been placed on IR after a brief return in Week 8, Eno enters another week as the anticipated favorite to lead the position if Conner is ruled out.
Should we expect James Conner to be available for Week 9? If he does suit up, will he fulfill his typical workload? Is Eno Benjamin a viable fantasy starter if Conner sits? Here’s what we know.
What Do We Know About James Conner's Injury Status For Week 9?
Kliff Kingsbury has kept his cards close to his chest regarding Conner’s status throughout the week. In fact, Kingsbury is the king of burying Conner’s status in ambiguous phrasing. #TwoPunsOneArticle
Conner is trending in a positive direction after managing to log limited practices Wednesday through Friday. His questionable status following Friday’s limited session indicates progress, but fantasy managers should approach Week 9 expecting another week of recovery.
How Has Eno Benjamin Performed As A Starter For The Cardinals In Fantasy Football?
Eno Benjamin is averaging 11.9 half-PPR fantasy points per game over the last three weeks as Arizona’s starting running back. The bulk of his production came against the Saints in Week 7 when he ran for 92 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries with an additional 21 yards from four receptions.
Benjamin has produced a range of outcomes within his small sample size as a starter, but his volume provides a solid fantasy floor. He was on the field for 78% of offensive snaps in Weeks 6-8 and received 68% of running back carries in the same span.
His work in the passing game is especially encouraging in PPR formats. Benjamin collected an average of 3.4 receptions per game through the past three weeks compared to his 2.4 R/G through the first five. Kyler Murray sent him a career-high seven targets in Week 8 and the opportunities should continue to flow.
Should I Start Eno Benjamin In Fantasy Football Week 9?
The Cardinals approach a favorable matchup against a Seahawks defense ranking 27th in half-PPR fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs.
Fantasy managers should prepare to sidestep another week without Conner and expect Benjamin to get the start. Anticipate double-digit touches from Benjamin and view him as an RB2 with upside potential.
If Conner is active, however, don’t be surprised if he returns to a relatively limited workload. He would be in play as a back end RB2 with a shot at scoring from the red zone, while Benjamin would revert to a deep-league flex consideration.
As the old saying goes: hope for the best but prepare for your fantasy starters to get hurt at some point. Keep an eye on RotoBaller’s news feed for updates on player availability.
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