Posted on Oct 01

Cardinals RB Trey Benson placed on IR after surgery: "He played through the injury."

Posted Oct 1, 2025

The Arizona Cardinals will be without running back Trey Benson for an extended period following meniscus surgery.

Why it matters: Benson's absence could significantly impact the Cardinals' offensive strategy, particularly as they navigate a challenging schedule without their starting running back.

With James Conner already sidelined due to a season-ending injury, Benson was expected to shoulder a substantial workload.
The Cardinals now rely on a less experienced backfield, which could affect their play-calling and overall offensive efficiency.

What’s new: Benson underwent arthroscopic surgery on his meniscus, with doctors estimating a recovery time of four to six weeks.

He has been placed on injured reserve, meaning he must miss at least four games.
The earliest he can return is Week 10, after the team's bye week, putting additional pressure on the remaining running backs.

Yes, but: While Benson's contributions were emerging, he had only begun to find his footing in the role.

In his last game against the Seattle Seahawks, he rushed for 35 yards on eight carries and added five catches for 19 yards.
His performance indicated potential, but with limited experience, his replacement will need to step up quickly.

What to watch: The Cardinals’ depth chart at running back is now under scrutiny as Emari Demercado, Michael Carter, and Bam Knight look to fill the void.

Collectively, these players have combined for just five carries this season, raising questions about their ability to handle a heavier workload.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon acknowledged that Benson may have played through the injury during the Seahawks game, highlighting the need for better communication regarding player health.

The big picture: The Cardinals are facing a critical juncture in their season.

With key injuries affecting both the running back position and potentially the team’s overall morale, how they adapt their offensive scheme will be crucial.
As they explore different formations, including more passing plays to mitigate the loss of their running game, the effectiveness of these adjustments will be vital for their success.

The bottom line: Missing Benson for an extended period could hinder the Cardinals' chances to maintain offensive momentum as they adapt to their changing roster dynamics.

Given the significance of establishing a robust ground game in NFL offenses, the next few weeks will test the resilience and adaptability of the entire team.

Cardinals RB Trey Benson placed on IR after surgery: "He played through the injury."

Alex Parker

Posted Oct 1, 2025

The Arizona Cardinals will be without running back Trey Benson for an extended period following meniscus surgery.

Why it matters: Benson's absence could significantly impact the Cardinals' offensive strategy, particularly as they navigate a challenging schedule without their starting running back.

With James Conner already sidelined due to a season-ending injury, Benson was expected to shoulder a substantial workload.

The Cardinals now rely on a less experienced backfield, which could affect their play-calling and overall offensive efficiency.

What’s new: Benson underwent arthroscopic surgery on his meniscus, with doctors estimating a recovery time of four to six weeks.

He has been placed on injured reserve, meaning he must miss at least four games.

The earliest he can return is Week 10, after the team's bye week, putting additional pressure on the remaining running backs.

Yes, but: While Benson's contributions were emerging, he had only begun to find his footing in the role.

In his last game against the Seattle Seahawks, he rushed for 35 yards on eight carries and added five catches for 19 yards.

His performance indicated potential, but with limited experience, his replacement will need to step up quickly.

What to watch: The Cardinals’ depth chart at running back is now under scrutiny as Emari Demercado, Michael Carter, and Bam Knight look to fill the void.

Collectively, these players have combined for just five carries this season, raising questions about their ability to handle a heavier workload.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon acknowledged that Benson may have played through the injury during the Seahawks game, highlighting the need for better communication regarding player health.

The big picture: The Cardinals are facing a critical juncture in their season.

With key injuries affecting both the running back position and potentially the team’s overall morale, how they adapt their offensive scheme will be crucial.

As they explore different formations, including more passing plays to mitigate the loss of their running game, the effectiveness of these adjustments will be vital for their success.

The bottom line: Missing Benson for an extended period could hinder the Cardinals' chances to maintain offensive momentum as they adapt to their changing roster dynamics.

Given the significance of establishing a robust ground game in NFL offenses, the next few weeks will test the resilience and adaptability of the entire team.