Injuries are inevitable in the NFL, and the Arizona Cardinals backfield is already suffering. Starting running back James Conner suffered an ankle injury in Week 2, and status for Week 3 is up in the air. From a fantasy football perspective, this opens the door of opportunity for either Darrel Williams or Eno Benjamin. Both players have their own merits if Conner can’t play, but which guy should you trust in an emergency?
Now, it should go without saying that neither player should be anywhere near your starting lineup if Conner plays in Week 3. As of this posting, the running back has practiced on Wednesday and will probably be listed as Questionable for Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. If he’s playing, you have to assume that Conner will step in as Arizona’s unquestioned starter.
The ankle injury for #AZCardinals RB James Conner that kept him off the field is not considered long-term or serious, source said. He remained in uniform throughout the game, standing on the sidelines. A positive sign.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 19, 2022
Fantasy Football: Darrel Williams or Eno Benjamin to Replace James Conner?
One of the biggest battles throughout Arizona’s training camp was the battle for the backup running back position. After finding some moderate success with the Kansas City Chiefs, most assumed that Williams would be Conner’s primary backup and handcuff in fantasy football. However, Benjamin reportedly outperformed Williams, and some believed Williams could be a surprise cut candidate.
Both players made the final roster, but Benjamin was the next man up in the season opener. In Week 1, Williams didn’t play a single snap while Benjamin recorded a 34% snap share, turning his snaps into eight opportunities, seven touches, and 61 yards. Based on all observable information, Benjamin was the guy to own.
However, something changed in Week 2. Even before Conner’s injury, Williams saw the field in a reserve role against the Las Vegas Raiders. After Conner’s injury, Williams took over the early-down work and finished the game with 10 touches for 59 yards and a touchdown on a 46% snap share. Benjamin, meanwhile, recorded 11 touches for 51 yards on a 43% snap share.
Analyzing Week 2’s Usage
At first glance, one would assume that Darrel Williams and Eno Benjamin saw the same workload and would carry equal fantasy football value if Conner misses time. However, not all touches are created equal, so we need to see how Arizona used each one of their running backs throughout Week 2.
It’s no secret that Arizona’s goal line running back is always going to carry fantasy football relevance. Ever since Kliff Kingsbury took over, the Cardinals have always had one of the NFL’s better offenses, and they absolutely love running the ball near the goal line. James Conner finished 2021 as the RB5, and that would not have happened without his 15 rushing touchdowns.
In Week 2, Williams saw every goal line opportunity during Arizona’s furious comeback against the Las Vegas Raiders. Seeing as he performed well when given the opportunity, there is no reason to believe his role will change moving forward. Touchdowns are king in fantasy football, and Darrel Williams has the easiest path to the endzone. This makes him the back to own in fantasy football, and the guy you want to start if Conner cannot play.
However, this doesn’t mean that Benjamin is completely useless. The third-year pro still saw plenty of time on the field and was utilized as the primary change of pace and pass-catching back. In deep PPR leagues, he could make for an emergency flex. However, you’re probably better off leaving him on the bench.
