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Trey Benson's Injury and Anticipated Return: Impact on the Arizona Cardinals

10/22/2025, 10:40:39 PM

Overview of Trey Benson's Injury

Trey Benson, a running back for the Arizona Cardinals, was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft and had a promising rookie season, appearing in 14 games with 291 rushing yards and a touchdown. However, after James Conner suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 3, Benson became the team's primary running back. Unfortunately, during the Week 4 game against the Seattle Seahawks, Benson sustained a meniscus injury that required arthroscopic surgery, leading to his placement on injured reserve. This move mandates that he miss a minimum of four games, making him eligible to return in Week 10 against the Seahawks.

Current Status and Expected Return

As of now, Benson will not participate in the upcoming Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys. He recently hinted at a potential return by posting a message on Instagram stating “Soon,” which has generated excitement among fans. If his recovery progresses as planned, he could be back on the field in Week 10.

Impact on the Arizona Cardinals

Benson's absence has significantly affected the Cardinals' rushing attack, which has struggled throughout the 2025 season. The team is currently on a five-game losing streak, and with Conner out for the year, the Cardinals have shifted to a more pass-oriented offense under quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Running backs Bam Knight and Michael Carter have taken on larger roles, but the overall performance has declined.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon expressed disappointment with the team's current 2-5 record, stating, “It’s terrible to be 2-5. Not where we want to be.” He emphasized the need for the team to improve its performance and find a better way to secure victories.

Fantasy Football Considerations

In the realm of fantasy football, Benson's injury has led to discussions about roster management. Currently, he is rostered by 56% of fantasy managers, but his placement on IR has prompted some to consider dropping him due to his expected absence of 2-4 weeks. Despite his potential to reclaim a starting role upon his return, many fantasy managers may opt to free up roster space in the interim.

Criticism and Opposition

Critics of the Cardinals' current strategy have pointed out that the team's performance has not met expectations, particularly in light of the injuries to key players. The shift to a pass-heavy offense has raised questions about the effectiveness of the team's game plan, especially with the loss of both Benson and Conner.

Conclusion

As the Arizona Cardinals navigate a challenging season, the anticipated return of Trey Benson could provide a much-needed boost to their struggling offense. His previous contributions have been significant, and fans remain hopeful that his comeback will help restore balance to the team as they aim to turn their season around.