Cardinals RB Benson remains on IR; coach Gannon cites lack of progress

The Arizona Cardinals will be without running back Trey Benson for the remainder of the season as he remains on injured reserve.

Why it matters: Benson's absence significantly impacts the Cardinals' rushing attack, which has already been under pressure due to injuries.

• The Cardinals are struggling to find a consistent ground game, and losing Benson, who had shown promise earlier in the season, compounds their challenges.
• His knee injury, sustained during Week 4 against the Seattle Seahawks, required arthroscopic surgery that was initially expected to sideline him for four to six weeks.

What’s new: Head coach Jonathan Gannon provided an update indicating that Benson has not progressed sufficiently to return to play.

• Despite being designated for return on November 19, Benson will not be activated before his practice window closes.
• Gannon stated, "He just hasn't progressed to the point that he can go out there and play football right now," underscoring the seriousness of the recovery process.

Yes, but: There is optimism surrounding Benson’s future with the team despite this setback.

• Gannon expressed disappointment regarding Benson's situation, acknowledging both the player's and team's frustrations.
• He reassured fans and media, saying, “I want to see him out there. When he is ready to go, he will go,” indicating that the coaching staff remains hopeful for his eventual return.

What to watch: The Cardinals will need to adapt their offensive strategy in Benson's absence.

• With Paris Johnson Jr., their starting left tackle, also ruled out due to a knee injury suffered against the Los Angeles Rams, the Cardinals must find ways to protect their quarterback and establish a running game.
• Look for backup running backs to step up, which may require adjustments in their offensive schemes, potentially moving towards more pass-focused strategies given the current injuries.

The big picture: Injuries continue to plague the Cardinals, affecting both their offense and overall season trajectory.

• As the team navigates through these challenges, depth will be tested, and the ability to adapt will be crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the coming weeks.
• The Cardinals have had a history of overcoming adversity, but the extent of their current injuries will determine their playoff aspirations.

The bottom line: Without key players like Benson and Johnson, the Cardinals face an uphill battle in the second half of the season.

• Their success will depend heavily on how well they can adjust and utilize their remaining roster to fill the gaps left by these injuries.