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NFL injury fallout: Can the Cardinals, 49ers, and Cowboys overcome injuries to Conner, Bosa, and Lamb?
Week 3 was rough for some of the NFL's biggest stars. The Cardinals lost James Conner, the 49ers saw Nick Bosa go down, and the Cowboys are preparing to be without wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for weeks.
These aren’t just injuries to role players; these are arguably the best players on their respective teams. Now the big question is simple: can Arizona, San Francisco, and Dallas keep rolling without them?
In this DAZN News article, I examine how each team will attempt to overcome the loss of its key playmakers.
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James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Conner is no stranger to injuries, but his latest, a foot injury that head coach Jonathon Gannon said needs surgery, is undoubtedly his most serious since he entered the NFL in 2017.
With over 2,500 all-purpose yards and 20 touchdowns since the start of the 2023 season, the fan favourite is a vital part of what makes the Cardinals' offense tick.
"One of our leaders, a captain, you hate that it happens," Gannon said. "I just know what type of person and player he is. It's tough to replace, but we have to."
Replacing what Conner brings to the table won't be easy, but the Cardinals have planned ahead, drafting Trey Benson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Benson is not as decisive a runner as Conner, but he's got excellent size, is a capable receiver, and with a little help from his offensive line, could become a true asset for this Arizona offense.
I suspect the drop-off from Conner to Benson won't be as significant as some expect. As involved as lead running backs are in every team's offense, very few are irreplaceable.
Nick Bosa, Edge Rusher, San Francisco 49ers
Bosa is one of the most disruptive edge rushers in football. Aside from the 2020 season lost to injury, he’s been a fixture among the league leaders in pressures and sacks.
His injury is a bitter blow to the 49ers.
Bosa's absence is arguably the most damaging of any player on this list, not just because elite pass rushers are harder to replace than most positions, but because San Francisco doesn’t have a proven replacement waiting in the wings.
The 49ers used a first-round pick in 2025 on Mykel Williams, but he’s seen more as a long-term project than an immediate contributor. They also traded for Bryce Huff, who’s started strong, but without Bosa drawing double teams, sustaining that production will be a challenge.
San Francisco will get a boost with Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Juan Jennings returning on offense, but it's their defense that has contributed most to their 3-0 start.
Without their defensive cornerstone in Bosa, the 49ers are in serious trouble of sliding.
CeeDee Lamb, Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb’s high ankle sprain, suffered in the loss to the Bears, is expected to sideline him for at least two games.
Lamb has been the Cowboys' top playmaker for the last four years. Losing their elite wideout, even for a handful of games, will be a huge loss.
The Cowboys are better prepared to handle his absence than in years past, thanks to the offseason addition of George Pickens, but whether Dak Prescott, Pickens, KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Tolbert, and tight end Jake Ferguson can carry the offense is an open question.
The timing of Lamb's injury could be worse. Dallas has a tough test against Green Bay in Week 4, but then faces the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, both winnable matchups, in Weeks 5 and 6.
The Cowboys are already chasing ground in the division, and they can’t afford to fall further behind. Their hope is that Lamb returns by Week 7, just in time for the NFC East battle with the Washington Commanders. It's no exaggeration to suggest that game might make or break their playoff hopes.
