The Arizona Cardinals have made the decision to place running back Trey Benson on injured reserve due to a knee injury. This announcement was made by head coach Jonathan Gannon during a press conference on Wednesday.
Trey Benson’s Injury Details
Benson is anticipated to be sidelined for a minimum of four weeks as he recovers from arthroscopic surgery on his meniscus. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the injury occurred late in last Thursday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, where Benson banged his knee.
Impact on the Team
- Benson is expected to return later this season.
- The Cardinals will be without their top two running backs for the foreseeable future.
- James Conner is already out for the season with an ankle injury.
Benson had stepped into a starting position following Conner’s injury, but now the team must adapt. He did not participate in practice on Monday.
Options to Fill the Void
To address the situation, Arizona signed running back Michael Carter off the practice squad. Other players, such as Emari Demercado and Bam Knight, will also be considered for additional snaps during Benson’s absence.
Trey Benson’s Performance this Season
Benson, a second-year player from Florida State, has shown promise in his increased role this season. In the latest game against Seattle, he accomplished the following:
- 8 carries for 35 yards
- 5 receptions for 19 yards
For the current season, Benson has recorded:
- 29 carries for 160 yards (average of 5.5 yards per carry)
- 13 receptions for 64 yards
Notably, Benson ranks second in the NFL with 1.76 rushing yards over expected per attempt, according to Next Gen Stats. With the Cardinals needing to adjust to his absence, the team’s depth will be tested as they navigate the coming weeks.
Upcoming Challenges
The Cardinals will face tough competition ahead. Their next opponent, the Tennessee Titans, has given up the fifth-most rushing yards in the NFL this season, allowing 566 yards through four games and conceding three rushes of 40 yards or more.
As the Cardinals regroup, they hope to maintain their performance while navigating the challenges brought on by injuries.
