Cardinals running back James Conner status vs. Cowboys revealed

The Cardinals travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys is the biggest game of Week 17. With the stakes extraordinarily high, Arizona is hoping to have running back James Conner back for the showdown.

Prior to the game, NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed whether the Cardinals are confident Conner will be on the field.

“The Arizona Cardinals are viewing running back James Conner (heel) as a game-time decision, but there is optimism he will play versus the Cowboys,” reported Rapoport.

If the Cardinals can get Conner back into the fold, their offense will be given a huge boost. Arizona has been fluttering as of late, losing three straight games after starting the season 10-2. In the process, the Cardinals have fallen from the No. 1 seed in the NFC to a wild card in the conference.

Before Conner injured his heel, there was an argument to be made that he was the best free agent signing of last offseason. When the former Pittsburgh running back went to Arizona, there was little fanfare. Still, he’s had an undeniable impact on the season.

In his first season with the Cardinals, Conner has rushed for 700 yards. Additionally, he’s scored 14 touchdowns on the ground. Moreover, he’s done damage in the passing game as well — catching 31 passes for 334 yards and two touchdowns on the season.

With the vaunted defense of the Cowboys, the Cardinals need to find points. If James Conner is on the field, he could help provide them in Dallas.

More on Cardinals at Cowboys

Both the Cardinals and Cowboys are locked into the playoffs. However, seeding and more is at stake on Sunday for both teams.

The Cardinals still have a shot at the AFC West. While the Cowboys have already locked up the NFC East, the No. 1 seed in the NFC is still on the table for Dallas. Both teams have a lot to play for on Sunday.

At different times this season, quarterbacks Kyler Murray and Dak Prescott were considered front runners for the NFL MVP. While neither was able to keep up their torrent pace, the showdown between the two stars is must-see television.

Finally, it’s entirely possible the Cardinals could travel back to Dallas in round one of the NFL playoffs. If that’s the case, Arizona will want to have as much intel on the Cowboys as possible.

On Sunday, there’s a huge NFC showdown in Dallas. There’s a lot of juice in the game between the Cardinals and the Cowboys — the NFC playoff picture hangs in the balance.