Full Breakdown
Cardinals Release Running Back Trey Benson
8/25/2026, 6:20:34 AM
Core Transaction: Waiving of Trey Benson
In late August 2026, the Arizona Cardinals placed running back Trey Benson on waivers with an injury designation, ending his tenure with the team. The move was announced alongside the activation of edge rusher Josh Sweat from the physically unable-to-perform list. Benson suffered a “flare-up” of a previously repaired meniscus during training camp, prompting the organization to move on from the 2024 third-round pick.
Background & Context
Benson was selected 66th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft after a collegiate career at Florida State that produced 2,267 scrimmage yards and 24 touchdowns. He entered the league as a backup to James Conner. After Conner’s season-ending foot injury in Week 3 of 2025, Benson was set to assume a larger role, but a meniscus tear a week later derailed that opportunity. He returned briefly in November 2025 but never regained full strength, leading to a season-ending shutdown in early December. The 2026 training camp saw the Cardinals retain Conner, sign free-agent Tyler Allgeier, and draft running back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick, further crowding the backfield.
Data & Statistics
| Statistic | Reported By | Figure |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 rookie rushing yards | Newsweek | 291 yards on 66 carries |
| 2024 rookie rushing yards | USA Today | 291 yards on 63 carries |
| 2024 rookie touchdowns | Newsweek | 0 (six receptions for 59 yards) |
| 2024 rookie touchdowns | USA Today | 1 touchdown |
| Career (2024-2025) rushing yards | USA Today | 451 yards |
| Career (2024-2025) touchdowns | USA Today | 1 touchdown |
| Career yards-per-carry | USA Today | 4.9 yards |
| Avg. yards per carry in limited 2025 action | SI | 5.5 yards on 29 carries |
| Games played in 2024 | Newsweek | 4 games before injury |
| Games played 2024-2025 | USA Today | 13 rookie games, 17 total |
The differing carry totals (66 vs. 63) and touchdown counts (0 vs. 1) illustrate inconsistencies among the sources.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Mike LaFleur said, “We’re just taking it one day at a time with Trey right now,” emphasizing a cautious approach to his knee. The Cardinals also released tight end Baylor Cupp, wide receiver Bryson Green, and placed wide receiver Xavier Weaver on injured reserve, while adding safeties Devyn Bobby and Hudson Clark.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Rushing yards and carries: Newsweek lists 291 yards on 66 carries; USA Today lists the same yardage on 63 carries.
- Touchdown totals: Newsweek records no rushing touchdowns in 2024; USA Today records one.
- Games played: Newsweek notes four games before injury; USA Today cites 13 rookie games and a total of 17 games across two seasons.
- Exact release date: Sources reference “Monday” and “Aug. 24,” but the ledger only confirms the July 26, 2026 practice footage; the precise calendar date of the waiver is not listed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re just taking it one day at a time with Trey right now,” — Mike LaFleur
What’s Next
Following the waiver, Benson becomes a free-agent eligible to sign with any NFL team. The Cardinals’ backfield now lists Jeremiyah Love, Tyler Allgeier, James Conner, and Bam Knight as the primary options, though Conner’s recent absence from practice suggests he may also be placed on injured reserve before the season opener.
