Full Breakdown
Arizona Cardinals Place Running Back Trey Benson on Injured Reserve
10/1/2025, 9:47:28 PM
Injury Overview and Impact on the Team
The Arizona Cardinals have officially placed running back Trey Benson on injured reserve due to a knee injury sustained during the team's Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach Jonathan Gannon announced on October 1, 2025, that Benson underwent arthroscopic surgery on his meniscus and is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks. This decision comes as a significant blow to the Cardinals, who are already without starting running back James Conner, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Benson's injury occurred late in the game against Seattle, where he played through discomfort before reporting soreness the following day. He had assumed the starting role after Conner's injury, leading the team with 160 rushing yards over four games, averaging 5.5 yards per carry.
Replacement Options in the Backfield
With Benson out, the Cardinals will rely on a committee of running backs to fill the void. Emari Demercado, who has primarily played on passing downs, is expected to take on a larger role. Michael Carter, recently signed from the practice squad, and Bam Knight will also be in the mix. Gannon has not committed to a single player as the primary ball carrier, stating, "We'll see how the week goes," indicating a potential committee approach.
Demercado has had limited opportunities this season, with only eight rushing yards to date, while Carter has shown promise in past performances, including a strong finish to last season when he stepped up in the absence of both Conner and Benson.
Official Statements and Team Strategy
Gannon expressed confidence in the remaining running backs, stating, "I feel really good about just about everybody we have in that room." He emphasized the need to adapt the offensive strategy to suit the skill sets of the available players, acknowledging that they differ from those of Benson and Conner. The Cardinals' rushing attack has struggled this season, averaging only 4.0 yards per carry, down from 5.0 the previous year.
Upcoming Challenges
The Cardinals face a challenging schedule ahead, with their next game against the Tennessee Titans, who have allowed the fifth-most rushing yards in the NFL this season. The team must navigate these upcoming matchups without two of their top running backs, testing their depth and adaptability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But he should be able to return at some point this year.” — Jonathan Gannon, Head Coach
- “We'll see how the week goes.” — Jonathan Gannon, on the running back situation
- “Hopefully, we have some more efficiency and run the ball a little bit better.” — Jonathan Gannon, on adapting the running game
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While most reports agree on Benson's expected timeline of four to six weeks, there is some discrepancy regarding the exact nature of his injury and the potential for a quicker return. Additionally, the Cardinals' depth chart remains fluid, with various players vying for increased roles in the absence of Benson and Conner.
As the Cardinals prepare for their next game, the focus will be on how effectively they can adjust their game plan to accommodate the changes in their backfield.
