Seahawks' NFL-best rush defense won't face Cardinals' star RB Thursday night

The Seahawks are the NFL's only defense to not allow a rushing touchdown, and they won't have to face injured star James Conner Thursday night against the Cardinals.

Cardinals running back James Conner (6) runs for yards against the Seahawks in 2024. | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Led by the blossoming of second-year tackle Byron Murphy, the Seattle Seahawks' run defense has been on of the most pleasant surprises during their 2-1 start.

The Seahawks are allowing only 3.2 yards per carry, third-best in the NFL behind only the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots. They have given up a long run only 13 yards, and are the only team in the league to not give up a rushing touchdown so far. (The Baltimore Ravens, by contrast, have already allowed seven.)

Head coach Mike Macdonald will need his defense to excel again in Thursday night's NFC West battle against the Arizona Cardinals, and it will be getting some help. Cardinals' starting running back James Conner injured his foot in last week's loss to the San Francisco 49ers and Tuesday was placed on injured reserve.

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Against one of the NFL's best run defenses, Arizona will now have go with second-year back Trey Benson. He has 125 yards on 21 carries this season.

"One of your leaders, a captain. You hate that it happened," said Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon. "That's a bummer ... just knowing what type of player and person he is it's tough to replace, but we have to. So that's what we'll do."

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Conner, a Pro Bowl selection in 2018 and 2021, rushed for more than 3,700 yards and 38 touchdowns over the past four-plus seasons.

Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) sacks Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (2) in Week 3. | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

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