Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner left Sunday’s game and went to the medical tent to have his knee checked for an apparent injury, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The team officially announced that Conner’s return was questionable due to a knee injury.

More news: Jets’ Olu Fashanu was carted off the field after suffering a horrific leg injury

Conner limped off the field to have his right knee examined by courtside medical staff. He appeared to awkwardly twist his knee after Panthers defenseman Josey Jewell tackled Conner.

Arizona had two starters play back-to-back in the third quarter. Along with Conner, right tackle Jonah Williams was helped off the field after suffering a knee injury.

Conner scored Arizona’s first touchdown of the day in the second quarter. Panthers linebacker Jacoby Windmon became the first player penalized for a hip-drop tackle after hitting Conner for a short gain on a pass reception.

However, Fox Sports rules analyst Dean Blandino said he did not believe Windmon’s game contained all four necessary components to be considered a hip-drop tackle. However, it remains to be seen whether Windmon will be fined next week. The 15-yard penalty moved the Cardinals near midfield and eventually set up Connor to score on a run.

Conner surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark this season with a 40-yard run early in the matchup. It is the second year in a row he has reached this milestone. Before his injury, Conner recorded 15 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown against Carolina.

Over the past two seasons, Conner has been relatively healthy in offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s run-heavy offense.

Arizona is currently third in the NFC West, one game behind the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray discussed whether the team viewed the Week 16 matchup as a potential trap game.

“I’m very confident that it’s not a trap game because mentally that could never happen because of where we are,” Murray said of team protocol. “We have our backs against the wall, we understand that. I think for it to be a trap game, our record would have to be better. We must not feel humble. We understand what it’s about and we understand it every week for us.

A win over the Panthers would be huge for the Cardinals, a team hoping to get over .500.

For more information on the NFL, visit Newsweek Sports.