A Disappointing End for Trey Benson's Season: The Cardinals' Decision Explained
A promising young talent's journey comes to an unexpected halt.
In a surprising move, the Arizona Cardinals have decided not to activate running back Trey Benson from the injured reserve list, as confirmed by head coach Jonathan Gannon. This decision, announced on Wednesday, marks a challenging conclusion to Benson's 2025 campaign.
Benson's 21-day practice window, which opened on November 19, presented a crucial opportunity for him to prove his fitness and earn a spot back on the active roster. However, with the deadline passing, he will remain on injured reserve for the remainder of the year.
"It's a tough reality of the game," Gannon acknowledged. "Trey's disappointment is palpable, and we share that sentiment."
Benson's season, which held high expectations following an impressive rookie year, has been cut short. In just four games played (including one start), he amassed 29 carries for 160 yards and caught 13 passes for 64 yards. A far cry from the anticipated leap in production many had envisioned for Year 2.
But here's where it gets controversial: With Benson's absence, the Cardinals' running back corps will continue to rely heavily on Bam Knight and Michael Carter. This decision raises questions about the team's depth and strategy moving forward, especially considering the loss of starting running back James Conner to a season-ending ankle injury.
And this is the part most people miss: The Cardinals have also bolstered their offensive line depth by signing Wyatt Bowles and Tyler Cooper to the practice squad. Bowles, a rookie guard from Utah State, previously spent time with the Los Angeles Rams, while Cooper, also a rookie guard, played college ball at Minnesota before joining the Washington Commanders.
Additionally, starting left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans due to an MCL sprain, as reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
So, what do you think? Is this a wise move by the Cardinals to focus on their running back room's current players, or should they have given Benson another chance? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss this intriguing decision!
