Trey Benson Injury Update: Cardinals RB Lands on IR with Knee Injury

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson has been placed on the injured reserve (IR) list following a knee injury that occurred in the team’s recent 23-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Benson, who stepped up after James Conner’s season-ending foot injury, will miss at least the next four weeks of the season, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The knee injury, which required arthroscopic surgery on his meniscus, will keep Benson sidelined for a significant stretch, including the Cardinals’ upcoming matchups against the Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, and Dallas Cowboys. Benson, who had been making strides as the team’s second-string running back, now faces a recovery timeline that could extend well into the middle of the season.

Trey Benson’s Injury and Recovery Timeline

Benson’s injury occurred late in the Week 4 game against the Seahawks, when he banged his knee. Despite showing promise with 160 rushing yards on the season, including a career-high 69 yards in Week 1, his absence leaves a gap in the Cardinals’ offense. With Conner already out, Benson was expected to carry a heavy load in the backfield. However, the injury forces the team to rely on other backs for the immediate future.

The Cardinals are now in a difficult position, with Benson joining Conner on the sidelines. The earliest Benson can return is Week 10, depending on his recovery. The team will have to adjust their game plan to cope without both of their top running backs for the time being. Head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed Benson’s IR placement and expressed hope that the young running back will return later this season.

Impact on the Arizona Cardinals’ Backfield

With Benson on IR, the Cardinals’ running game will now depend on Emari Demercado, Michael Carter, and Bam Knight. Demercado, who has primarily been a pass-catching back, may see more rushing opportunities in the coming weeks. Carter, who was signed from the practice squad, brings experience from his time with the New York Jets and could see an expanded role in Benson’s absence.

The situation is a critical one for the Cardinals, who face a tough defense in the Titans this weekend. The running back depth chart has been hit hard by injuries, and the Cardinals are scrambling to fill the void. Their ability to maintain a balanced offense will be tested in the weeks ahead.

The loss of Benson adds another layer of adversity for Arizona, who will need to rely on their depth and adaptability to remain competitive through the first half of the season. Their backfield woes have prompted them to add more depth, as they signed D’Ernest Johnson to the practice squad and brought in other potential options through tryouts.

Despite the setbacks, the Cardinals remain hopeful that their new group of running backs can help the team navigate through this challenging period. The focus will now shift to how Demercado, Carter, and Knight perform under the pressure of filling the roles left by Benson and Conner.

Final wrap-up: Trey Benson’s knee injury has significantly impacted the Arizona Cardinals’ running back depth, with the team now relying on Emari Demercado and Michael Carter for the foreseeable future. Benson’s potential return in Week 10 is a hopeful sign, but for now, the team will need to adjust to their new backfield dynamic.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How long will Trey Benson be out due to his knee injury?

Benson is expected to miss at least four weeks due to the knee injury, with a potential return by Week 10, depending on his recovery.

Q2: Who will replace Trey Benson in the Cardinals’ backfield?

With Benson on IR, Emari Demercado, Michael Carter, and Bam Knight will handle the rushing duties for the Cardinals.

Q3: When can the Arizona Cardinals expect Trey Benson’s return?

Benson is eligible to return as early as Week 10 against the Dallas Cowboys, depending on his recovery timeline.

Q4: How has Trey Benson performed this season?

Benson has rushed for 160 yards and caught 13 passes for 64 yards, showing versatility and promise before his injury.

Q5: What is the latest on James Conner’s injury?

James Conner is out for the season with a foot injury, leaving the Cardinals without their top running back for the remainder of the year.