Trey Benson Injury Update: Will the Cardinals RB Return After His Late-Season Setback?

Trey Benson’s return timeline is in serious doubt after the Arizona Cardinals running back suffered a setback from his knee injury in early December. The second-year back had been designated to return from injured reserve after beginning practice in late November, but he did not participate at all last week. ESPN reported that Arizona must activate him this week or his 2025 season will end.

The update raises new concerns about whether Benson will take the field again this year. He has been sidelined since Week 4, when he injured his knee in his first start after James Conner’s season-ending injury. Benson had a clear opportunity to claim the lead role, but his setback now puts both his season and future role in question.

Trey Benson Return Timeline Faces New Uncertainty

Benson’s story has shifted quickly. The Cardinals selected him in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, hoping his speed and power would bring balance to their offense. He began 2025 behind Conner, but a torn injury to the veteran in Week 3 pushed Benson into the starting lineup.

The opportunity was short-lived. Benson injured his knee in Week 4 and entered injured reserve. He logged only 29 carries for 160 yards with no touchdowns this season, plus 13 receptions for 64 yards. His return window opened in late November, and he practiced briefly. However, he did not practice at all last week, indicating a likely setback.

ESPN’s report noted that the Cardinals must activate him this week or lose him for the remainder of the season. Similar reports traditionally emerge only when a player is questionable to return. Benson’s practice absence supports that concern.

The Cardinals have struggled without a consistent run game all year. Their season has unraveled, and several national outlets have reported that head coach Jonathan Gannon’s job is in jeopardy. Benson’s stalled development adds to the uncertainty facing the organization.

How the Setback Shapes Benson’s Future

If Benson does not return in 2025, he will enter next season with fewer than 100 career carries and two years of limited availability. That creates real questions about his standing with the franchise, especially if a new coaching staff arrives in 2026. Teams often prefer backs with proven durability, and Benson has not yet shown he can handle a starting workload.

However, the Cardinals invested a Day 2 pick in him, and his flashes of efficiency in limited touches still matter. Benson may enter a competition next summer, but he must prove he can stay healthy and produce consistently. His long-term future will depend heavily on how the next few months unfold.

The Trey Benson injury update leaves Arizona waiting once again. His return timeline depends on whether the Cardinals activate him in the coming days, and the decision will shape both his season and his future role in the organization.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest Trey Benson injury update?

The latest update indicates he suffered a setback and missed all practices last week. Arizona must activate him soon or he will miss the remainder of the season.

Q2: What is Trey Benson’s return timeline?

Benson was designated to return in late November but has not practiced recently. His timeline depends on whether the Cardinals activate him before the league deadline.

Q3: How many games has Trey Benson played this season?

He played through Week 4 before suffering his knee injury. He recorded 29 rushing attempts and 13 receptions in that span.

Q4: What happens if the Cardinals do not activate him?

Benson will be out for the rest of the 2025 season. He will then head into 2026 competing for a larger role.

Q5: How does this impact the Cardinals backfield?

Arizona remains without stability at running back. The team continues relying on depth players while evaluating long-term options.