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The devastating season-ending ankle injury to James Conner has left the Arizona Cardinals scrambling for offensive solutions. With their proven workhorse sidelined for the remainder of 2025, the Cardinals face a critical decision about their backfield moving forward. While rookie Trey Benson and backup Emari Demercado are next in line, neither possesses the elite production and dual-threat capability that made Conner so valuable to Arizona’s offense.
Prayers up for James Conner pic.twitter.com/KAdzPExqZ5
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 21, 2025
Enter Travis Etienne Jr., the Jacksonville Jaguars’ dynamic running back who finds himself in an increasingly precarious situation despite a strong start to the 2025 season. With 270 rushing yards on 46 carries through three games, Etienne has demonstrated the explosive playmaking ability that made him a first-round selection. However, brewing trade speculation surrounding the 26-year-old, combined with Jacksonville’s investment in rookie running backs, creates the perfect storm for a blockbuster deal.
The Cardinals’ offensive identity took a massive hit when Conner suffered his gruesome ankle injury during Week 3’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Conner had been the engine of Arizona’s ground game for five seasons, posting consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns in 2023 and 2024. His loss removes not just a reliable rusher, but a crucial safety valve for quarterback Kyler Murray and a proven red-zone threat.
Trey Benson, while showing flashes of potential with 125 yards on 21 carries this season, remains an unproven commodity. The second-year back from Florida State has yet to demonstrate the consistency or pass-catching prowess that modern NFL offenses demand. Emari Demercado brings versatility as a third-down specialist, but lacks the physical tools to handle a full workload.
Etienne would immediately solve Arizona’s backfield crisis. The former Clemson standout brings elite speed, proven production, and the dual-threat capabilities that perfectly complement Murray’s skill set. His ability to line up wide, run routes from the slot, and create explosive plays in space would add a dynamic element to coordinator Drew Petzing’s offense that the Cardinals currently lack.
Despite Etienne’s strong individual performance, the Jaguars find themselves at a crossroads with their veteran back. Currently in the final year of his rookie contract with a $6.143 million salary, Etienne represents significant financial flexibility for a Jacksonville team that may need to prioritize long-term building over short-term success.
The Jaguars’ recent trade of Tank Bigsby to Philadelphia for 2026 fifth and sixth-round picks signals their willingness to reshape the backfield. More telling is Jacksonville’s investment in rookie talent, selecting Bhayshul Tuten in the fourth round and LeQuint Allen Jr. in the seventh round of the 2025 draft. Both players have shown promise early in the season, with Tuten particularly impressing coaches with his combination of power and 4.32 speed.
Trade rumors have swirled around Etienne throughout the offseason, with analysts suggesting Jacksonville could move him if they fall out of playoff contention. At 2-1, the Jaguars remain competitive, but their willingness to trade productive players like...
