- Trey Benson
- #33
- Team ARI
- Pos RB
- Status IRInjured Reserve
-
More competition in backfield
Benson (knee) faces even more competition in the Arizona backfield after the Cardinals used the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 Draft on Jeremiyah Love on Thursday, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Along with Love, who projects to vault right to the top of the depth chart at running back, the Cardinals also signed Tyler Allgeier and restructured James Conner's contract over the offseason. Benson has never played a single regular-season snap on special teams in his career but may have to learn if he's going to stick in Arizona. The more likely outcome may be that Benson is traded to a team in need of backfield depth before Week 1. The 2024 third-round pick has a career 92-451-1 rushing…read more
Published: Mon, Apr 27 at 8:21am by Rotowire.com
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Backfield growing crowded
Benson (knee) faces increased competition for touches in 2026 after the Cardinals signed Tyler Allgeier and restructured James Conner's contract, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Benson could potentially be the odd man out of a big-bodied 1-2 punch featuring Allgeier and Conner, as Donnie Druin of SI.com reports, though Benson's big-play potential could make him effective in a change-of-pace role. The 2024 third-round pick had a big opportunity last year following Conner's season-ending foot injury, but Benson then suffered a meniscus injury in Week 4, ultimately missing the rest of the season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery at the beginning of October. While the…read more
Published: Wed, Mar 11 at 11:02am by Rotowire.com
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Will not return this season
Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday that Benson (knee) will not be activated from IR, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2025 season, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Benson had his 21-day practice window opened in late November, and he initially managed limited on-field activity before being downgraded to consistent non-participant status. Instead, Bam Knight, Emari Demercado (ankle) and Michael Carter will handle Arizona's backfield reps for the remainder of the 2025 campaign. Carter, a 2024 third-round pick, had initially seemed primed for a substantial opportunity after starting running back James Conner (foot) went down to season-ending injury Week 3.…read more
Published: Wed, Dec 10 at 8:52am by Rotowire.com
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Out Week 14, may not return in 2025
Benson (knee) won't play in Sunday's game against the Rams and isn't certain to be activated from injured reserve this season, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Analysis: On Friday, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon didn't go into any detail but acknowledged the possibility of Benson missing the rest of the season. The team opened his 21-day practice window two weeks ago, with Benson initially logging limited practices before downgrading to non-participation last Thursday. He hasn't practiced since, leaving Bam Knight and Michael Carter to handle backfield reps, with Emari Demercado (ankle) perhaps now set to reenter the mix after missing Weeks 12 and 13. In…read more
Published: Fri, Dec 5 at 9:14am by Rotowire.com
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No practice Thursday
Benson (knee) isn't practicing Thursday, Dani Sureck of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Analysis: With just six days remaining in his 21-day window in which to potentially return from injured reserve and now five straight DNPs dating back to last week, Benson appears to be trending in the wrong direction to play again this season. The Cardinals have been riding the trio of Bam Knight, Michael Carter and Emari Demercado during Benson's absence, and Demercado practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday for the first time since suffering a high-ankle sprain Week 11. Assuming Benson isn't…read more
Published: Thu, Dec 4 at 10:38am by Rotowire.com
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DNP on Wednesday
Benson (knee) was a non-participant in practice Wednesday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Analysis: On the heels of three straight missed sessions going back to last week, Benson now has one week remaining to prove the health of his knee before his 21-day window to practice expires. If that were to occur, he'd remain on injured reserve for the rest of the campaign. Meanwhile, Emari Demercado practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday for the first time since suffering a high-ankle sprain Week 11. If Benson isn't activated for Week 14 action and Demercado avoids a designation, the latter would…read more
Published: Wed, Dec 3 at 4:36pm by Rotowire.com
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Not spotted at practice
Benson (knee) was absent from the media-access portion of Wednesday's practice, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Analysis: If Benson goes down as a non-participant Wednesday, it'll mark his third consecutive DNP dating back to last week. He's now exactly two weeks into his 21-day practice window in which to return from injured reserve, but the recent string of missed sessions isn't a great sign that will come to pass. Wednesday's injury report will reveal whether or not Benson was able to take part in any drills to begin Week 14 prep.
Published: Wed, Dec 3 at 10:42am by Rotowire.com
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Not playing this week
Benson (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Analysis: It was an outcome that seemed likely once Benson was held out of practice Thursday. The Cardinals listed him as a limited participant in four straight practices beforehand, but head coach Jonathan Gannon told Urban on Friday that Benson is still being evaluated day to day. The Cardinals figure to deploy Bam Knight (knee) and Michael Carter out of the backfield with Emari Demercado (ankle) also out this Sunday.
Published: Fri, Nov 28 at 8:55am by Rotowire.com
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No practice Thursday
Benson (knee) wasn't present at Thursday's practice, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: The same can be said for fellow RB Emari Demercado, who hasn't practiced since sustaining a high-ankle sprain Week 11. It's unclear if Benson's sudden absence from practice is related to maintenance, but the situation now bears watching as he's in the second week since the Cardinals opened his practice window to return from injured reserve.
Published: Thu, Nov 27 at 10:24am by Rotowire.com
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Another limited session
Benson (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Analysis: Benson now has been listed as limited on four consecutive injury reports dating back to last Wednesday, when Arizona designated him to return from injured reserve. He was ruled out for Week 12 last Friday, and this Friday's report will reveal if he has a chance to return for Sunday's contest in Tampa Bay. As for the rest of the backfield, Bam Knight (knee) also was limited Wednesday, while Emari Demercado continued to sit out due to a high-ankle sprain, leaving Michael Carter and Jermar…read more
Published: Wed, Nov 26 at 2:16pm by Rotowire.com
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Won't return this week
Benson (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Jacksonville, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.
Analysis: Benson returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant and then remained limited during Thursday's session. Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said Friday that Benson has looked good in practice, but it'll apparently be at least one more week until the RB is ready to return. With Emari Demecardo (ankle) out this week, the Cardinals signed Jermar Jefferson from their practice squad to provide depth behind Bam Knight and Michael Carter.
Published: Fri, Nov 21 at 1:10pm by Rotowire.com
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Status TBD pending Friday practice
Head coach Jonathan Gannon said Benson (knee) has looked good in practice throughout the week, but Benson's availability for Sunday's game against the Jaguars will likely be determined based on how Friday's practice goes, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Analysis: Benson was a limited participant at both Wednesday's and Thursday's practices after being designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday. In order to play Sunday, Benson would first need to be activated from injured reserve and added back to the roster. Such a move remains in play, though the coaching staff will first want to see how Benson looks during Friday's practice. With Bam Knight (ankle) banged up and Emari Demercado (ankle) already ruled out for Sunday's game, Michael Carter is…read more
Published: Fri, Nov 21 at 9:11am by Rotowire.com
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Stays limited Thursday
Benson (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Analysis: Since Arizona designated him for return from injured reserve Wednesday, Benson has logged back-to-back capped sessions and will have one more chance to get back to full this week before the team potentially makes a ruling on his status ahead of a Week 12 contest against the Jaguars. He's seeking his first game action since undergoing surgery on a meniscus injury following a Week 4 loss to the Seahawks, and the Cards will need to activate him from IR by Saturday afternoon for him to have a…read more
Published: Thu, Nov 20 at 1:41pm by Rotowire.com
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Officially limited Wednesday
Benson (knee) officially was limited at Wednesday's practice, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official sire reports.
Analysis: The Cardinals designated Benson for return from injured reserve Wednesday, and he followed up the transaction with a capped session to begin Week 12 prep. On a positive note, he wasn't wearing a brace on either of his knees, per Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic, and looked spry going through individual drills. Fellow RB Emari Demercado already has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jaguars due to a high-ankle sprain, while Bam Knight also was limited Wednesday due to an ankle…read more
Published: Wed, Nov 19 at 2:06pm by Rotowire.com
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Practice window to be opened
The Cardinals are opening up Benson's(knee) 21-day practice window, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: When asked whether Benson -- who remains on IR -- could play Sunday against the Jaguars, coach Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday that the Cardinals will evaluate the running back "day-by-day." Benson last saw game action in Week 4, but when the 2024 third-rounder is deemed ready to return to the lineup, he'll be positioned to reclaim his role as Arizona's lead back. With Emari Demercado (ankle) already having been ruled out against Jacksonville, Bam Knight and Michael Carter are currently the…read more
Published: Wed, Nov 19 at 9:02am by Rotowire.com
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Not practicing Wednesday
Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday that Benson (knee) is "doing well" but isn't ready to practice, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: Benson is eligible to return from injured reserve for Sunday's game at Seattle, but it doesn't sound likely without a practice appearance at the start of the week. He's working his way back from arthroscopic surgery on a meniscus injury, with reports at the time (five weeks ago) suggesting a timeline of 4-to-6 weeks. Emari Demercado and Bam Knight split backfield work during Monday's 27-17 win over the Cowboys, while Michael Carter was active but didn't play. None of the bunch has shown much of…read more
Published: Wed, Nov 5 at 1:32pm by Rotowire.com
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Officially on injured reserve
The Cardinals officially placed Benson (knee) on injured reserve Wednesday.
Analysis: Arizona has lost its top two running backs in back-to-back weeks -- first James Conner to season-ending foot surgery following Week 3 and now Benson to a knee injury for at least the next four games after Week 4. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported earlier Wednesday that Benson underwent arthroscopic surgery for a meniscus injury and was slated to be out 4-to-6 weeks, so even if he isn't able to return from IR when first eligible Sunday, Nov. 9 in Seattle, he should be back in the fold not long…read more
Published: Wed, Oct 1 at 10:58am by Rotowire.com
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Undergoes surgery, out 4-to-6 weeks
Benson underwent arthroscopic surgery for a meniscus injury and will be placed on injured reserve, keeping him sidelined for 4-to-6 weeks, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Earlier Wednesday, Schefter reported that Benson banged his knee near the end of last Thursday's loss to the Seahawks, and coach Jonathan Gannon followed up that report with news that the running back was heading to injured reserve but that he should return at some point this season, per Dani Sureck of the Cardinals' official site. Now that a timetable for Benson to recover has been outlined, he'll still miss at least the next four games while on IR, meaning his first chance for game action…read more
Published: Wed, Oct 1 at 10:24am by Rotowire.com
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Set to land on IR
Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday that Benson (knee) will be placed on IR, Dani Sureck of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Analysis: Gannon said Benson is expected to return this season, but the second-year pro will now be forced to sit out at least four games while recovering from the knee injury he sustained Week 4 versus Seattle. Benson's loss is a tremendous blow for Arizona's offense, one magnified by already having lost James Conner (foot) for the year. Beginning Sunday versus the Titans, and through at least Sunday, Nov. 9 against the Cowboys, Emari Demercado and Michael Carter will be positioned to lead the…read more
Published: Wed, Oct 1 at 9:49am by Rotowire.com
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Dealing with knee injury
Benson is uncertain for Sunday's game against the Titans due to a knee injury sustained during last Thursday's loss to Seattle, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Benson's knee injury isn't considered serious, per Schefter, but it could impact his availability for Week 5. The second-year pro reportedly sustained the issue toward the end of Arizona's loss to the Seahawks last Thursday, in which he rushed eight times for 35 yards and secured all five of his targets for 19 yards. With James Conner (foot) out for the season Benson is positioned as the Cardinals' clear lead back, meaning of he were to miss any time change-of-pace man Emari Demercado and No. 3…read more
Published: Wed, Oct 1 at 8:12am by Rotowire.com
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Modest opportunity as lead back
Benson rushed eight times for 35 yards and brought in all five targets for 19 yards in the Cardinals' 23-20 loss to the Seahawks on Thursday night. He also recovered a fumble.
Analysis: Benson operated as the unquestioned lead back in the Cardinals' first game without James Conner (IR, foot), but he finished with two fewer carries than in Sunday's Week 3 loss to the 49ers. Benson did record a season high in receptions and outpaced No. 2 back Emari Demercado by six carries, but game script conspired to afford him almost as much pass-catching work as rushing volume. Benson should have a better opportunity to handle a larger workload during a Week 5 home matchup against an…read more
Published: Thu, Sep 25 at 9:06pm by Rotowire.com
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Set for increased workload
Benson will take on a larger workload following news that James Conner is set for season-ending foot surgery, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.
Analysis: Conner was carted off the field Sunday in San Francisco after sustaining what initially was called an ankle injury, but coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed Monday that the issue is with the veteran running back's right foot. In Conner's stead, Benson will get the first chance to lead the Cardinals backfield as he looks to build upon the 29 touches for 170 yards from scrimmage and no touchdowns that he's accumulated through the first three games of the season. Aside from Benson, a 2024 third-round…read more
Published: Mon, Sep 22 at 5:01pm by Rotowire.com
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Takes over for injured starter
Benson rushed 10 times for 42 yards and caught three of four targets for nine yards in Sunday's 16-15 loss to San Francisco.
Analysis: James Conner (ankle) was carted off with a severe ankle injury in the second half of Sunday's loss that will reportedly cost Arizona's starting RB the remainder of the season, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Benson took over lead back duties and finished with a healthy 4.2 yards per carry. The talented backup immediately becomes a must-add player in fantasy following Conner's unfortunate injury. Emari Demercado figures to enter the mix for touches as well, but he failed to gain positive yards on two…read more
Published: Sun, Sep 21 at 6:56pm by Rotowire.com
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Gets work as receiver Sunday
Benson rushed three times for 14 yards while catching four of six targets for 30 yards in Sunday's 27-22 win over Carolina.
Analysis: Benson fell back to No. 2 in the RB pecking order Sunday after leading the team in rushing with 69 yards in Week 1. The Florida State product finished with eight fewer carries than starter James Conner (11-34-1), with the former making the bigger impact in the passing game. Conner is still the lead back and preferred fantasy option in Arizona, but Benson has carved out a nice role heading into next Sunday's tilt versus the 49ers.
Published: Sun, Sep 14 at 9:22pm by Rotowire.com
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Leading rusher in Week 1 win
Benson carried the ball eight times for 69 yards and caught his only target for six yards in Sunday's 20-13 win over the Saints.
Analysis: The second-year back led Arizona in rushing thanks to a 52-yard scamper around right end on the team's first drive of the second half. James Conner saw 12 carries but gained only 39 yards, with his longest run going for 12, and the split both of touches and of production bodes well for Benson as the season moves forward. He'll look to continue carving out a significant role in the offense at home Week 2 against the Panthers.
Published: Sun, Sep 7 at 3:19pm by Rotowire.com
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DNP in preseason Week 2
Benson didn't play in Saturday's 27-7 preseason loss at Denver.
Analysis: The Cardinals held out their top two running backs in James Conner and Benson in their second exhibition game. That followed a preseason opener in which Conner started and turned his three carries into 11 yards before yielding the backfield to Benson, who had nine rushes for 29 yards and one 20-yard catch. Conner has expressed that he expects to cede work to Benson this season after the veteran dominated RB reps to the tune of 283 touches over 16 regular-season games in 2024. Benson, a…read more
Published: Mon, Aug 18 at 9:25pm by Rotowire.com
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Strong start to preseason
Benson rushed nine times for 29 yards and brought in his only target for 20 yards during the Cardinals' 20-17 preseason win over the Chiefs on Saturday night.
Analysis: The second-year pro, who's projected to see an increased role in the coming season, fittingly led the Cardinals in rush attempts on the night. Benson logged his first touch on Arizona's second possession, recording a nine-yard run. The FSU product also had a nice chunk gain on his one catch, and he's likely to fill another robust role by preseason standards during the Cardinals' second exhibition tilt against the Broncos on the road next Saturday night.
Published: Sat, Aug 9 at 9:56pm by Rotowire.com
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Poised to make a jump
Coach Jonathan Gannon believes Benson "is going to take a step" in his second season as a pro, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.
Analysis: There's no question about James Conner's standing as the top option out of the Cardinals backfield, as the eight-year veteran is coming off a career-best 1,508 yards from scrimmage during the 2024 season. The team invested a third-round pick in Benson two springs ago, but he managed only 69 touches for 350 total yards and one rushing TD in 13 regular-season games as a rookie. He wasn't known for his receiving ability in college, so Benson may need an injury to Conner to make a significant…read more
Published: Fri, Jul 25 at 1:02pm by Rotowire.com
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Packs on seven pounds
Benson said Thursday that he added seven pounds during the offseason but feels more explosive, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Analysis: Benson also said he wants the Cardinals to have "two RB1s" this season, suggesting he's ready for a larger role behind James Conner after taking 69 touches for 350 total yards (on 137 snaps) during his rookie campaign. The 2024 third-round pick missed the final three games of last season with an ankle injury but came back healthy for OTAs and minicamp this spring. There aren't many running backs that offer a better combination of speed and size, with Benson having run a 4.39 40 at the 2024…read more
Published: Thu, Jun 12 at 12:15pm by Rotowire.com
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On field for OTAs
Benson (ankle) has been participating in the Cardinals' voluntary OTAs, per the team's official site.
Analysis: Benson missed the last three games of his rookie season due to an ankle injury that required him being placed on IR, but Arizona's offseason photo release now shows him participating in Phase 3 of OTAs. Across 13 regular-season appearances as a rookie, the 2024 third-round pick rushed 63 times for 291 yards (4.6 YPC) and one score. He was active Week 5 but took no snaps behind workhorse James Conner. Benson is slotted for a backup role behind Conner entering Year 2 but remains a high-upside…read more
Published: Mon, Jun 2 at 10:45am by Rotowire.com
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Won't play in Week 18
Arizona placed Benson (ankle) on injured reserve Tuesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Analysis: Benson will end up missing the final three games of his rookie season due to the ankle injury he sustained in a Dec. 15 win over the Patriots. Before getting hurt, the third-round pick out of Florida State had solidified his spot as the top backup to James Conner. Over 13 appearances, Benson gained 291 yards and a touchdown on 63 carries (4.6 average) while reeling in all six of his targets for 59 yards.
Published: Tue, Dec 31 at 1:31pm by Rotowire.com
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Sitting out again Saturday
Benson (ankle) is inactive for Saturday's game at the Rams, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Analysis: Benson thus will miss a second consecutive contest due to an ankle injury, but on a positive note he at least was listed as limited on all three Week 17 injury reports, suggesting that his health is trending in the right direction ahead of a Week 18 matchup with the 49ers. As for Saturday, though, James Conner (knee) will continue to lead Arizona's backfield, while Michael Carter and DeeJay Dallas back him up.
Published: Sat, Dec 28 at 3:49pm by Rotowire.com
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Status in question for Week 17
Benson (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's contest at the Rams, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: After sitting out Week 16 at Carolina due to an ankle injury, Benson has been listed as limited on all three Week 17 practice reports. No. 1 RB James Conner (knee) followed the same regimen this week, but coach Jonathan Gannon told Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com on Thursday that he wasn't certain about the statuses of both running backs. In the end, The Cardinals will post their list of inactives about 90 minutes before Saturday's 8:00 p.m. ET kickoff, but if Conner and/or Benson are limited or…read more
Published: Thu, Dec 26 at 1:54pm by Rotowire.com
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Remains limited Wednesday
Benson (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Benson failed to practice at all last week due to an ankle issue before being ruled out ahead of Sunday's 36-30 overtime loss to Carolina on the final injury report, so his ability to take part in Tuesday's walk-through session in a limited fashion followed by a capped practice one day later has given him a chance to return to action Saturday at the Rams. Starting back James Conner (knee) has followed the same practice regimen this week, so their respective listings on Thursday's report may…read more
Published: Wed, Dec 25 at 4:25pm by Rotowire.com
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Opens week with limited practice
Benson (ankle) was estimated as a limited participant in Tuesday's walk-through practice, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports. ""We'll see how they go, but that's obviously why I didn't rule them out," head coach Jonathan Gannon said of Benson and fellow running back James Conner (knee), who was also listed as a limited participant. "They both have a chance to play [Saturday versus the Rams]."
Analysis: Conner exited this past Sunday's 36-30 overtime loss to the Panthers with the knee injury, while Benson sat out the contest entirely due to the ankle injury he sustained a week earlier in the Cardinals' win over the Patriots. The two backs seem to be in similar spots in their respective recoveries from the injury, but both may need to upgrade to full participation in practices Wednesday and/or Thursday to avoid taking a designation into Saturday. If neither Conner nor Benson is able to gain…read more
Published: Tue, Dec 24 at 3:03pm by Rotowire.com
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Ruled out
Benson (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at Carolina, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Benson hasn't practiced this week after exiting early from Arizona's Week 15 win over the Patriots. With fellow backup running back Emari Demercado (back) on injured reserve, DeeJay Dallas figures to step in behind James Conner, who projects for a huge share of Arizona's backfield snaps and touches.
Published: Fri, Dec 20 at 8:16am by Rotowire.com
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Misses practice
Benson (ankle) didn't practice Thursday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Benson injured his ankle during Sunday's win over the Patriots and never returned. He's now missed consecutive practices and likely would need to participate Friday to have a shot at playing Sunday at Carolina. With Benson in danger of missing the game and Emari Demercado (back) on injured reserve, the Cardinals may give James Conner an even larger workload than usual.
Published: Thu, Dec 19 at 2:15pm by Rotowire.com
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Misses practice Wednesday
Benson (ankle) didn't take part in Wednesday's practice, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Benson was removed from the second half of this past Sunday's win against the Patriots due to an ankle injury, which so far is keeping him off the practice field to begin Week 16 prep. With Emari Demercado (back) on injured reserve, DeeJay Dallas is the only other running back on the Cardinals' active roster aside from starter James Conner. Meanwhile, Michael Carter and Tony Jones loom as backfield options on the practice squad.
Published: Wed, Dec 18 at 1:53pm by Rotowire.com
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Done for rest of Sunday
Benson (ankle) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's matchup with the Patriots.
Analysis: Benson suffered an ankle injury in the second half, bringing his day to a close after he turned five carries into 22 yards against New England. In his absence, James Conner will continue to handle the lion's share of touches at running back in Week 15.
Published: Sun, Dec 15 at 4:08pm by Rotowire.com
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Accounts for 19 yards in loss
Benson carried twice for 15 yards and recorded a four-yard reception on his lone target in Sunday's 30-18 loss to the Seahawks.
Analysis: While James Conner remains locked in as Arizona's lead back, Benson has been effective as a change-of-pace option and could be moving ahead of Emari Demercado as the team's preferred backup. The rookie third-round pick is averaging a healthy 4.6 yards per carry over his 58 totes on the season and has also made the most of his opportunities in the passing game, recording a 6-59-0 receiving line on six targets through 12 appearances. Though Benson played just 10 of the Cardinals' 71 snaps on…read more
Published: Tue, Dec 10 at 8:41am by Rotowire.com
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Not much going on ground Sunday
Benson turned four carries into 18 yards during Sunday's 16-6 loss in Seattle.
Analysis: Benson ranked second among Cardinals in rush attempts but paced the team in yards on the ground, while James Conner had seven carries for eight yards, and Emari Demercado reeled off a single 14-yard run. Benson and Demercado earned nine offensive snaps apiece, usage that was well behind Conner's 40 (out of 58). Considering Conner continues to handle the bulk of the work afforded Arizona's backfield, Benson may need a better game script to replicate his success from before the team's Week 11…read more
Published: Mon, Nov 25 at 8:00pm by Rotowire.com
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Leading rusher on 10 carries
Benson rushed 10 times for 62 yards while corralling both of his targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 31-6 rout of the Jets.
Analysis: Benson continued to spell starter James Conner, but the rookie got his touches much earlier in the contest this time around. The 22-year-old Benson may be getting more plays drawn up for him in weekly game plans in order to give Arizona another threat on offense. James Conner produced the bigger fantasy score and remains the starter for the Cardinals as the team enters its bye. That said, Benson's usage should be monitored in the event his role increases when Arizona resumes play against…read more
Published: Sun, Nov 10 at 9:48pm by Rotowire.com
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Scores first career touchdown
Benson recorded eight carries for 37 yards and one touchdown and caught his only target for 18 yards during Sunday's 29-9 win against the Bears.
Analysis: Benson's usage was sporadic for the first seven appearances of his career, but in Week 9 he was sprinkled in throughout the contest alongside fellow reserve RB Emari Demercado behind No. 1 option James Conner. It didn't hurt that Conner missed a possession late in the first half to get checked for a concussion, but Benson earned the second-highest snap share (28 percent) to date and matched his second-most touches in a game this season. The rookie third-rounder also scored his first touchdown…read more
Published: Mon, Nov 4 at 8:49pm by Rotowire.com
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Available in Week 7
Benson (illness) is listed as active Monday against the Chargers, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Analysis: Benson has received at least some offensive snaps in five of the Cardinals' six contests this season, but his touch count has ranged from two to 12 in those outings. Most of that volume has occurred in garbage time, but he's racked up 30 carries for 107 yards, plus two catches on two targets for 12 yards, working primarily behind James Conner and Emari Demercado. A similarly small workload is possible for Benson in Week 7.
Published: Mon, Oct 21 at 4:43pm by Rotowire.com
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Added to injury report
Benson was added to the injury report Saturday with an illness and is listed as questionable for Monday's contest against the Chargers, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.
Analysis: Benson has averaged over 5.0 yards a carry each of his last two games, but he's tallied only 21 total offensive snaps during that stretch. If the rookie were to miss time, Emari Demercado would likely assume even more of the backup role behind usual stalwart James Conner.
Published: Sat, Oct 19 at 3:19pm by Rotowire.com
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Paces team in rushing Sunday
Benson turned five carries into 26 yards during Sunday's 34-13 loss at Green Bay.
Analysis: Despite trailing by double-digit points for most of the last three quarters, the Cardinals didn't abandon the run entirely, with all of James Conner (seven), Kyler Murray (seven), Emari Demercado (four) and Benson handling at least four rushes. Benson's yardage tally actually led the team, and for the first time since Week 4, his touches occurred before garbage time. No injuries befell Conner or Demercado, so the sudden usage before the waning moments was a bit of a surprise. Benson is…read more
Published: Mon, Oct 14 at 9:29pm by Rotowire.com
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Active but no snaps in Week 5
Benson was active but didn't play in Sunday's 24-23 victory in San Francisco.
Analysis: Meanwhile, James Conner continued to dominate the Cardinals backfield to the tune of a 79 percent snap share and 21 touches, and Emari Demercado earned 22 percent of the snaps and just one touch (a catch for no yards). Benson has had two outings this season with significant touches -- 12 in Week 2, nine in Week 4 -- but in the latter contest, all but one of the nine occurred in garbage time of a blowout loss to the Commanders. Benson appears to be firmly behind Conner and Demercado among…read more
Published: Mon, Oct 7 at 9:29pm by Rotowire.com
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Significant usage in garbage time
Benson tallied nine carries for 50 yards and one fumble, which was recovered by the Cardinals, during Sunday's 42-14 loss to the Commanders.
Analysis: Prior to the fourth quarter, Benson's sole touch was a six-yard run early in the second quarter. The rookie third-round pick then garnered eight consecutive rushes in the fourth quarter to close out what was a lopsided defeat. Considering almost all of his production happened in garbage time, Benson has yet to supplant Emari Demercado as the preferred option to spell Arizona's top backfield option James Conner.
Published: Mon, Sep 30 at 8:50pm by Rotowire.com
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Clinging to small role
Benson had two carries for eight yards during Sunday's 20-13 loss to the Lions.
Analysis: Benson's only two offensive snaps occurred on back-to-back plays in the third quarter. Otherwise, he ceded the backfield to starter James Conner (44 of 59 snaps, 10 touches) and reserve option Emari Demercado (12 and two, respectively). Benson did earn 12 touches Week 2, but he otherwise has six in his other two appearances, leaving him difficult to trust in the vast majority of formats.
Published: Mon, Sep 23 at 9:17pm by Rotowire.com
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Racks up 11 carries in Week 2
Benson tallied 11 carries for 10 yards and one catch (on one target) for seven yards during Sunday's 41-10 win against the Rams.
Analysis: Through two games in his NFL career, Benson has spelled starting running back James Conner, but the former's snap share increased from 13 percent Week 1 to 33 percent Sunday, while fellow reserve option Emari Demercado went from 21 to 11 percent. Benson's efficiency on the ground (1.6 YPC) hasn't emerged yet, but he at least seems to be the No. 2 RB for the Cardinals heading into Sunday's game against the Lions.
Published: Mon, Sep 16 at 8:47pm by Rotowire.com
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Gets four touches in NFL debut
Benson rushed three times for 13 yards and secured his only target for five yards during Sunday's 34-28 loss to the Bills.
Analysis: The rookie third-round pick worked as the No. 2 runner behind starter James Conner, though Emari Demercado remained involved in the receiving game, catching both his Week 1 targets for 26 yards but failing to get a carry. Benson will look to increase his involvement in the offense as he grows more comfortable in the NFL, but Conner remains Arizona's feature back heading into a Week 2 matchup against the Rams.
Published: Mon, Sep 9 at 7:53am by Rotowire.com
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Leading rusher as starters sit
Benson carried the ball nine times for 43 yards and was not targeted in Saturday's preseason loss to the Colts.
Analysis: The third-round pick started at running back for the second week in a row as veteran starter James Conner continues to sit along with quarterback Kyler Murray during exhibition play. Benson fared much better in his second go around as temporary lead back after gaining just 21 yards on eight carries last week. It's worth noting that the rookie remained ahead of Emari Demercado (shoulder) on Saturday after the latter returned from a minor injury. Perhaps Benson has a shot to elevate himself into…read more
Published: Sat, Aug 17 at 8:38pm by Rotowire.com
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Posts eight carries in debut
Benson had eight carries for 21 yards during Saturday's 16-14 preseason defeat to the Saints.
Analysis: With the Cardinals sitting their starting offense outside of rookie WR Marvin Harrison, Benson, a 2024 third-rounder, got the call on the team's first snap from scrimmage and ended up pacing Arizona in rushes. The trend may continue in the team's final two exhibitions because No. 1 QB Kyler Murray isn't expected to play until Week 1, meaning top RB James Conner could be destined for a similar outcome. If so, Benson should have plenty of chances to establish himself on the depth chart,…read more
Published: Sat, Aug 10 at 8:49pm by Rotowire.com
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