Trey Benson Important Injury Update: Will Cardinals RB Return Soon?

The Arizona Cardinals have opened the 21-day practice window for rookie running back Trey Benson after his knee injury. The move, announced on November 19, 2025, is the clearest sign yet that Benson is closing in on a return. This Trey Benson injury update comes as Arizona battles multiple injuries across the roster and tries to salvage what is left of its season.

Benson remains on injured reserve for now, but the practice designation allows him to work fully with the team while they monitor his progress. If he is activated to the 53-man roster within this window, he could return to game action in the next few weeks. His status for Week 12 is still uncertain, but the door is now open.

Trey Benson Injury Update and Cardinals Practice Window Explained

Benson has not played since Week 4, when he hurt his knee against the Seattle Seahawks. Reports indicated that he required an arthroscopic procedure, and the Cardinals placed him on injured reserve on October 1. He has missed the last five games while rehabbing and rebuilding strength in the knee.

On Wednesday, head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed that the team had officially designated Benson to return from injured reserve. That designation opens a 21-day practice window. During that period, Benson can practice with the team, but he cannot play in a game until the Cardinals move him back to the active roster.

The Cardinals have been cautious about putting a firm timetable on his return. Gannon has repeatedly described Benson as “day to day” and stressed that the staff will not rush him back before he is ready. That approach fits the team’s long-term view of a player they drafted in the third round in 2024 and still see as a potential core piece of the offense.

Benson’s early-season workload hinted at those expectations. In four games, he logged 29 carries for 160 rushing yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and added 13 receptions for 64 yards as a receiver out of the backfield. Those numbers came while sharing touches and before he could truly settle into a featured role.

The context around this Trey Benson important injury update is also crucial. Arizona has already lost veteran starter James Conner to a season-ending foot injury. Emari Demercado has been ruled out with an ankle injury. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is sidelined as he recovers from appendix surgery. Reuters and the Cardinals’ official site have both confirmed those setbacks, making Benson’s return even more significant for the offense.

With Zonovan “Bam” Knight and Michael Carter currently carrying most of the backfield workload, Benson’s potential activation gives the Cardinals a chance to reset their rushing attack. If he looks like the explosive runner they drafted, he could quickly move into a leading role once he is cleared to play.

How Trey Benson’s Return Could Reshape the Cardinals’ Backfield

The Cardinals sit at 3–7 and have been hit hard by injuries on both sides of the ball. Even so, the offense has shown flashes, particularly when backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett has stepped in and kept drives alive. The problem has been sustaining balance and finishing games against stronger opponents.

Benson’s profile fits exactly what this offense has been missing. He runs with power between the tackles, has enough burst to bounce plays outside, and can stay on the field on passing downs. If his knee responds well in practice, he is positioned to compete for the lead back job rather than merely being part of a rotation.

Short term, fans want to know whether he will play in Week 12. The reality is that the team has little reason to force that decision. Opening the window on November 19 gives Arizona three full weeks to watch Benson move, cut, and absorb contact in practice. If there is any setback, they can simply wait another week without sacrificing his long-term health.

Long term, these final games are a critical evaluation period. The Cardinals must decide how comfortable they are building their 2026 backfield around Benson, especially with Conner on injured reserve and Demercado also dealing with injuries. Strong production from Benson after his return would support the idea that he can anchor the position for years. A slower ramp-up, or more health issues, could push the front office to add more competition in free agency or the draft.

For now, this Trey Benson important injury update offers rare good news for a banged-up Cardinals squad. The practice window is open, his rehab has progressed to the field, and the team finally has a realistic path to getting its promising rookie back. Whether that happens in Week 12 or later in the window will be one of the most closely watched storylines in Arizona over the next few weeks.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Trey Benson expected to play in Week 12?

Benson’s 21-day practice window has just been opened, and he remains on injured reserve. The Cardinals have not committed to activating him for Week 12. His availability will depend on how his knee responds to practice throughout the week.

Q2: What exactly is Trey Benson’s injury?

Benson suffered a knee injury in Week 4 that reportedly required arthroscopic surgery on his meniscus. He was placed on injured reserve on October 1 and has missed five games. The current update signals that his rehab has progressed enough for him to resume team practice.

Q3: What does the 21-day practice window mean for Trey Benson?

Once a team designates a player to return from injured reserve, it has 21 days to evaluate him in practice. During that window, the player can practice but cannot play in games until he is activated. If the team does not activate Benson in that span, he must remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season.

Q4: How could Trey Benson’s return affect Bam Knight and Michael Carter?

If Benson is healthy and effective, he is likely to compete immediately for primary touches. Knight and Carter could shift into complementary roles, handling change-of-pace snaps or specific situations. The exact split will depend on how quickly Benson finds his rhythm after the layoff.

Q5: Why is Trey Benson’s return so important for the Cardinals’ season?

The Cardinals have lost multiple key offensive players, including James Conner, Emari Demercado, and Marvin Harrison Jr. Benson offers fresh legs, big-play potential, and three-down versatility. Even if Arizona is outside the playoff picture, his return helps stabilize the offense and informs future roster decisions.