The Arizona Cardinals were hoping for a Christmas miracle ahead of their matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. Running back James Conner, a key cog in their offense, hadn't practiced all week due to a heel injury. His status for the Christmas Day showdown was uncertain leading up to it.

An hour before kick-off, the Cardinals officially announced that Conner will be one of six inactive players for their game against the Colts.

Earlier reports sounded positive that Conner would be available to play. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Conner didn't progress well enough to be activated. The 26-year-old's absence is unfortunate for Kyler Murray and the Cardinals' offense, who will also be without wide receiver Rondale Moore.

Conner was named to the second Pro Bowl of his career due to his tremendous nose for the end zone, as he ranks second in rushing touchdowns in the league with 14, behind only the Colts' Jonathan Taylor. He has rushed for 700 yards and recorded 334 yards and two touchdowns through the air this season.

Arizona, at 10-4, has lost their hold on the NFC's top seed, as the Green Bay Packers passed them in the standings and the Los Angeles Rams have matched them. There is now a real chance that the Cardinals, who went the longest without losing a game to start this season, could be a Wild Card team.

Picking up a win over Indianapolis would be huge for Arizona, who could greatly benefit from a first-round bye. A loss wouldn't dash their playoff hopes but it would put them in a more challenging situation.