PHOENIX, Arizona, US News: As the Arizona Cardinals push through a challenging 2025 season marked by injuries and inconsistency, all eyes remain fixed on the potential return of rookie running back Trey Benson. The third-round draft pick from Florida State has been sidelined since early October, but recent developments suggest he could soon rejoin the lineup, offering a much-needed boost to a backfield that has struggled without its key contributors.
Benson’s injury journey began during the Cardinals’ Week 4 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football. In what was only his first career start, the 22-year-old powered through for 47 yards on nine carries, stepping up in the absence of veteran James Conner, who had suffered a season-ending ankle injury the previous week. However, a non-contact twist in the second quarter revealed a meniscus tear in his right knee, sidelining him immediately and landing him on injured reserve. Initial reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicated that Benson underwent arthroscopic surgery shortly after, with an expected recovery timeline of four to six weeks.
That prognosis placed his earliest possible return around mid-November, but the Cardinals opted for caution, allowing the young back additional time to rebuild strength and ensure long-term durability. By Week 10, Benson had cleared the mandatory four-game minimum on IR, making him eligible for activation. Yet, the team held off, prioritizing a gradual ramp-up to avoid any setbacks that could derail his rookie campaign. Now, entering Week 13, the situation appears more promising.
On Wednesday of last week, the Cardinals finally opened Benson’s 21-day practice window, designating him to return from IR a clear signal of progress. Head coach Jonathan Gannon, speaking to reporters after the session, struck an optimistic tone while tempering expectations. “Trey’s been putting in the work, and he’s looking sharp out there,” Gannon said. “We’re taking it day by day, but the fact that he’s on the field with us is a big step. No need to rush; we want him at 100 percent when he steps back into games.”
Practice reports from the week painted a mixed but encouraging picture. Benson logged limited participation on Wednesday, showing no signs of discomfort during individual drills and route-running exercises. However, he sat out Thursday’s full-team session entirely, a precautionary move that raised some eyebrows among fans and fantasy football managers alike. Friday’s walkthrough saw him back in a limited capacity, focusing on light conditioning and film study. Gannon addressed the Thursday absence directly, noting it was part of a managed workload to test his knee’s response to consecutive days of activity. “It’s smart progression,” he added. “We’ve seen guys come back too soon and pay for it later. Trey’s tough, but we’re smarter than that.”
The timing adds intrigue as Arizona prepares to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at State Farm Stadium. At 4-7, the Cardinals cling to faint playoff hopes in the NFC West, trailing division leader San Francisco by three games. Their ground game has sputtered without Benson and Conner, ranking 25th in the league at just 98.2 rushing yards per game. In Benson’s absence, a rotating cast of backs including undrafted rookie Bam Knight, who has emerged as the lead option with 412 yards and four touchdowns; Michael Carter, providing steady depth; and Emari Demercado, limited by his own ankle sprain has kept the unit afloat but lacked the explosive spark Benson brings.
Knight, in particular, has seized his opportunity, averaging 4.2 yards per carry over the last three weeks and finding the end zone in consecutive outings. Yet, his workload has ballooned to 145 carries, inviting questions about fatigue and long-term sustainability. Benson’s return, even in a complementary role, could ease that burden and restore balance. Drafted at No. 66 overall after a standout college career where he racked up 1,775 all-purpose yards and 23 touchdowns as a Seminole, Benson was pegged as a potential workhorse. His brief NFL glimpses, averaging 5.1 yards per tote before the injury, hinted at that upside, blending power, speed (a blistering 4.39-second 40-yard dash), and pass-catching ability.
For fantasy owners, Benson’s status is a high-stakes dilemma heading into the season’s stretch. Platforms like ESPN and Yahoo have him pegged as a flex option with RB2 potential, but his snap share remains uncertain. If activated, he could spell Knight on early downs, leveraging his 225-pound frame for those punishing yards between the tackles. Analysts at Pro Football Network suggest a 60-40 split in Benson’s favor for touches if he plays, though the Cardinals’ committee approach under Gannon leans toward shared workloads to preserve health.
As the clock ticks on his 21-day window, the deadline falls on December 4, after which Benson would revert to season-ending IR. The final call rests with the medical staff and Gannon. Saturday’s injury report will offer the clearest clues yet, with a full practice on Friday potentially sealing his availability. In a league where depth is currency and rookies rarely get second chances, Benson’s resilience stands out. “This game’s taught me patience,” he shared in a brief team media availability earlier this week, his voice steady despite the crutches long discarded. “I’m ready to contribute however they need me.”
Cardinals Nation, weary from a barrage of injuries that has tested their resolve, could use this as a turning point. A healthy Benson not only bolsters the run game but injects youth into an offense averaging just 19.8 points per contest. Whether he suits up Sunday or sits one more, his comeback story underscores the grit defining this rebuild under Gannon. For now, hope simmers in the desert rooted in reps, recovery, and the relentless pursuit of momentum. Check back for the latest as Arizona eyes a bounce-back win against Tampa Bay.
