The Arizona Cardinals have officially decided not to activate Running Back Trey Benson from injured reserve, effectively ending his 2025 campaign before it could really get going again. It is a tough break for a player who was supposed to be a key part of the Cardinals’ ground game this year.
For anyone who’s been following this saga, the writing has been on the wall for a bit. Benson’s 21-day practice window was ticking down, and after a brief glimmer of hope with some limited participation, he was downgraded to a non-participant. That’s never a good sign.
Head Coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed the news, stating the obvious: “I know he’s disappointed, we’re disappointed.” It is a gut punch for Benson, who now has to watch from the sidelines as the season plays out.
What Does This Mean For the Cardinals’ Backfield?
With Benson shelved, the Cardinals will continue to lean on the trio of Bam Knight, Michael Carter, and Emari Demercado to carry the rock. It’s a “next man up” situation, but let’s be real, losing a player with his potential hurts. He showed flashes in the four games he played, racking up 160 yards on just 29 carries. The talent is there, but unfortunately, so is the injury bug.
This decision puts a lot of pressure on Benson heading into the 2026 season. As a former third-round pick, expectations were high. He was supposed to build on his rookie year and cement his role. Instead, he’s spent more time with the training staff than on the field. Now, with his contract winding down, the clock is officially ticking.
A Crucial Year Ahead For Trey Benson
Next season is shaping up to be a make-or-break year for Benson. He’ll need to come into training camp healthy and ready to prove he can be the reliable, explosive back the Cardinals drafted him to be. The complication? Veteran James Conner is still on the roster. While Conner himself is recovering from a significant injury, he represents a roadblock to Benson’s path to the starting job.
It’s a classic NFL storyline: a talented young player battling injuries and trying to live up to his draft hype. Can Benson bounce back and become the star Arizona needs? Or will he become another “what if” story? We’ll have to wait until next season to find out.
