First Call: James Conner, Najee Harris suffer significant injuries; Russell Wilson struggles as Giants get booed

In this Monday’s “First Call,” we pass along unfortunate injury news surrounding two former Pittsburgh Steelers running backs. Russell Wilson is having a tough time in New York, while the Vikings may be giving the Steelers some problems in Ireland.

Plus updates on the rest of the AFC North.

Conner’s injury ‘severe’

The injury suffered by Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner on Sunday in San Francisco is now being called “severe” and season-ending.

That’s the word from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who claims the injury will require surgery.

Cardinals RB James Conner did in fact suffer a season-ending injury to his right ankle that will require surgery, per source. The injury is considered "severe", even if the team does not yet know the full extent of the damage. pic.twitter.com/IMktQeYBoz

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 22, 2025

The former Pitt Panther suffered the injury in the third quarter of the Cardinals’ NFC West divisional game against the San Francisco 49ers. He was tackled awkwardly and wrenched to the ground on a running play that got stuffed at the line of scrimmage.

Slightly better view of the James Conner injury. In addition to MCL concern also concerned about an ankle fracture with this mechanism. Hope for the best but we'll see #cardinals pic.twitter.com/lyQyv48G9S

— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) September 21, 2025

This is Conner’s fifth year in Arizona after playing his first four years in Pittsburgh with the Steelers. So far this year, he has had 32 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown, adding eight catches for 38 yards and a score.

Not good news for Najee

Another former Steelers running back has suffered what is presumed to be a season-ending injury. That’s Chargers running back Najee Harris.

Los Angeles coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed after his team’s 23-20 win over Denver that Harris endured an Achilles injury.

The Alabama alum went down untouched trying to take a handoff from quarterback Justin Herbert.

Here is Chargers RB Najee Harris suffering an Achilles injury before he was carted off: pic.twitter.com/0rV5YQYU1K

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 21, 2025

Harris began the summer suffering an eye injury in a Fourth of July fireworks accident. As a result, he missed training camp and the preseason. Omarion Hampton — the Chargers’ top draft choice this year — has been taking on the bulk of the rushing duties.

Over the first two games, Harris put up just 15 carries for 61 yards. Los Angeles signed Harris to a one-year, $5.2 million contract this offseason.

Boo birds

New York Giants fans were booing the offense quarterbacked by Russell Wilson on Sunday night. The team lost at home 22-9 to the Kansas City Chiefs.

“I’d be booing too, to be honest with you, in terms of not being good enough, not scoring, not finishing. I understand that. That’s the nature of it,” coach Brian Daboll said via ESPN.com. “We’ve got to be better.” 

Wilson was 18 of 32 for 160 yards (5.0 yards per attempt), no touchdowns, two interceptions and two sacks for a passer rating of 43.8. Some fans were chanting for backup Jaxson Dart.

“There are highs and lows and always tough moments. You’ve got to have thick skin,” Wilson said. “You’ve got to be able to know who you are, the player that you are, know what you’re capable of. … Obviously, I’ve been able to show that throughout my career and obviously last week.”

Last week, Wilson put up 450 yards and three touchdowns, but the Giants still lost to Dallas, 40-37. They are now 0-3. Kansas City improved to 1-2. Daboll refused to comment on who may start next weekend at home against the Chargers.

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What lies ahead

The Minnesota Vikings played their best game of the season in advance of their meeting with the Steelers on Sunday in Ireland.

Minnesota won 48-10 over the Cincinnati Bengals. Neither team had their starting QB. Carson Wentz was in for J.J. McCarthy on the Minnesota side; Jake Browning started for an injured Joe Burrow with Cincinnati.

Wentz was 14 of 20 for 173 yards, two touchdowns and a passer rating of 129.8; Browning was 19 of 27 for 140 yards, a touchdown, an interception and three sacks.

Jordan Mason added two touchdowns and 116 rushing yards for Minnesota (2-1). Isaiah Rodgers scored twice on defense for the Vikes, once on a pick-6 and once on a fumble recovery.

Isaiah Rodgers has another defensive touchdown!

CINvsMIN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/RIWWQHFSOw

— NFL (@NFL) September 21, 2025

Cincinnati now has to play in Denver (1-2) on “Monday Night Football” next week.

As for the rest of the division, the Cleveland Browns (1-2) upset Green Bay (2-1), 13-10. Baltimore (1-1) plays the Monday night game at home against Detroit (1-1). The Ravens are favored by 4.5 points.