Full Breakdown
Cardinals Activate Josh Sweat, Cut Ties with Trey Benson
8/25/2026, 4:13:39 AM
Core Moves and Roster Impact
The Arizona Cardinals activated edge rusher Josh Sweat from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, bringing the player who recorded 12 sacks last season back onto the active roster. In the same transaction, the team waived running back Trey Benson with an injury designation, ending the 2024 third-round pick’s tenure in Arizona. Additional roster adjustments included placing wide receiver Xavier Weaver on Injured Reserve, releasing tight end Baylor Cupp and wide receiver Bryson Green, and signing safeties Hudson Clark and Devyn Bobby to bolster secondary depth.
Background on Sweat and Benson
Sweat entered training camp on the PUP list after undergoing left-knee maintenance that dates back to a serious college injury. He missed voluntary organized team activities and did not practice during the early part of camp, but the Cardinals kept him on the roster because of his league-leading 12-sack performance in the previous season.
Benson, selected 66th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, showed promise early in his rookie year but was hampered by recurring knee problems. After a meniscus tear in September and a subsequent flare-up during the current preseason, the team concluded that his knee would not be ready for the upcoming season.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Mike LaFleur said the activation of Sweat resolves the primary question that has lingered since training camp began, noting the defense has three weeks to integrate him before the season opener. Regarding Benson, LaFleur emphasized a cautious approach, stating the team is handling his recovery “one day at a time.” He also confirmed that punter Blake Gillikin will miss the upcoming week due to a groin injury but described the issue as short-term.
Data & Statistics
- Josh Sweat: 12 sacks in the 2025 season, missed all of camp due to knee maintenance.
- Trey Benson: 17 games played over two seasons, 451 rushing yards on 92 carries (4.9 yards per attempt).
- Xavier Weaver: 10 games last season, 7 receptions for 67 yards.
- The Cardinals’ secondary suffered multiple injuries, including concussions to Wydett Williams and Kalen King, and a rib issue for Rabbit Taylor-Demerson.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re just taking it one day at a time with Trey right now,” — Mike LaFleur, head coach
