Trey Benson Injury News & Updates

Benson (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

It was an outcome that seemed likely once Benson was held out of practice Thursday. The Cardinals listed him as a limited participant in four straight practices beforehand, but head coach Jonathan Gannon said Friday that Benson is still being evaluated day to day. The Cardinals figure to deploy some combination of Bam Knight (knee), Michael Carter and Emari Demercado (ankle) out of the backfield this Sunday.

Benson (knee) wasn't present at Thursday's practice, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

The same can be said for fellow RB Emari Demercado, who hasn't practiced since sustaining a high-ankle sprain Week 11. It's unclear if Benson's sudden absence from practice is related to maintenance, but the situation now bears watching as he's in the second week since the Cardinals opened his practice window to return from injured reserve.

Benson (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Benson now has been listed as limited on four consecutive injury reports dating back to last Wednesday, when Arizona designated him for return from injured reserve. He was ruled out for Week 12 last Friday, and this Friday's report will reveal if he has a chance to return for Sunday's contest in Tampa Bay. As for the rest of the backfield, Bam Knight (knee) also was limited Wednesday, while Emari Demercado continued to sit out due to a high-ankle sprain, leaving Michael Carter and Jermar Jefferson as the only healthy RBs on the active roster.

Benson (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Jacksonville, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.

Benson returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant and then remained limited during Thursday's session. Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said Friday that Benson has looked good in practice, but it'll apparently be at least one more week until the RB is ready to return. With Emari Demecardo (ankle) out this week, the Cardinals signed Jermar Jefferson from their practice squad to provide depth behind Bam Knight and Michael Carter.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon said Benson (knee) has looked good in practice throughout the week, but Benson's availability for Sunday's game against the Jaguars will likely be determined based on how Friday's practice goes, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Benson was a limited participant at both Wednesday's and Thursday's practices after being designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday. In order to play Sunday, Benson would first need to be activated from injured reserve and added back to the roster. Such a move remains in play, though the coaching staff will first want to see how Benson looks during Friday's practice. With Bam Knight (ankle) banged up and Emari Demercado (ankle) already ruled out for Sunday's game, Michael Carter is currently the only Cardinals running back that will definitely be available Sunday.

Benson (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Since Arizona designated him for return from injured reserve Wednesday, Benson has logged back-to-back capped sessions and will have one more chance to get back to full this week before the team potentially makes a ruling on his status ahead of a Week 12 contest against the Jaguars. He's seeking his first game action since undergoing surgery on a meniscus injury following a Week 4 loss to the Seahawks, and the Cards will need to activate him from IR by Saturday afternoon for him to have a chance to play Sunday. With Emari Demercado (ankle) already ruled out and Bam Knight (ankle) also limited so far this week, Michael Carter is the only healthy RB on the active roster.

Benson (knee) officially was limited at Wednesday's practice, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official sire reports.

The Cardinals designated Benson for return from injured reserve Wednesday, and he followed up the transaction with a capped session to begin Week 12 prep. On a positive note, he wasn't wearing a brace on either of his knees, per Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic, and looked spry going through individual drills. Fellow RB Emari Demercado already has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jaguars due to a high-ankle sprain, while Bam Knight also was limited Wednesday due to an ankle issue. If Benson indeed proves the health of his knee following arthroscopic surgery on a meniscus injury in early October, he could take on a significant role right away considering the health of his fellow position mates. Currently, Michael Carter is the sole healthy running back on Arizona's active roster.

The Cardinals are opening up Benson' (knee) 21-day practice window, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

When asked whether Benson -- who remains on IR -- could play Sunday against the Jaguars, coach Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday that the Cardinals will evaluate the running back "day-by-day." Benson last saw game action in Week 4, but when the 2024 third-rounder is deemed ready to return to the lineup, he'll be positioned to reclaim his role as Arizona's lead back. With Emari Demercado (ankle) already having been ruled out against Jacksonville, Bam Knight and Michael Carter are currently the team's top healthy RB options, but help could be on the way in the form of Benson.

Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday that Benson (knee) is "doing well" but isn't ready to practice, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Benson is eligible to return from injured reserve for Sunday's game at Seattle, but it doesn't sound likely without a practice appearance at the start of the week. He's working his way back from arthroscopic surgery on a meniscus injury, with reports at the time (five weeks ago) suggesting a timeline of 4-to-6 weeks. Emari Demercado and Bam Knight split backfield work during Monday's 27-17 win over the Cowboys, while Michael Carter was active but didn't play. None of the bunch has shown much of anything that would stop a healthy Benson from getting another look in the lead role if/when everything checks out with his knee.

The Cardinals officially placed Benson (knee) on injured reserve Wednesday.

Arizona has lost its top two running backs in back-to-back weeks, first James Conner to season-ending foot surgery following Week 3 and now Benson to a knee injury for at least the next four games after Week 4. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported earlier Wednesday that Benson underwent arthroscopic surgery for a meniscus injury and was slated to be out 4-to-6 weeks, so even if he isn't able to return from IR when first eligible Sunday, Nov. 9 in Seattle, he should be back in the fold not long after that. For the foreseeable future, Emari Demercado and Michael Carter line up as the best bets to pace the Cardinals backfield, while Bam Knight also is on the active roster and D'Ernest Johnson and Jermar Jefferson are candidates to be elevated from the practice squad.

Benson underwent arthroscopic surgery for a meniscus injury and will be placed on injured reserve, keeping him sidelined for 4-to-6 weeks, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Earlier Wednesday, Schefter reported that Benson banged his knee near the end of last Thursday's loss to the Seahawks, and coach Jonathan Gannon followed up that report with news that the running back was heading to injured reserve, but that he should return at some point this season, per Dani Sureck of the Cardinals' official site. Now that a timetable for Benson to recover has been outlined, he'll still miss at least the next four games while in IR, meaning his first chance for game action will be Sunday, Nov. 9 at Seattle. In the meantime, the Cardinals will roll with Emari Demercado and Michael Carter out of the backfield.

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday that Benson (knee) will be placed on IR, Dani Sureck of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Gannon said Benson is expected to return this season, but the second-year pro will now be forced to sit out at least four games while recovering from the knee injury he sustained Week 4 versus Seattle. Benson's loss is a tremendous blow for Arizona's offense, one magnified by already having lost James Conner (foot) for the year. Beginning Sunday versus the Titans, and through at least Sunday, Nov. 9 against the Cowboys, Emari Demercado and Michael Carter will be positioned to lead the Cardinals' backfield, with Bam Knight mixing in as the No. 3 option.

Benson is uncertain for Sunday's game against the Titans due to a knee injury sustained during last Thursday's loss to Seattle, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Benson's knee injury isn't considered serious, per Schefter, but it could impact his availability for Week 5. The second-year pro reportedly sustained the issue toward the end of Arizona's loss to the Seahawks last Thursday, in which he rushed eight times for 35 yards and secured all five of his targets for 19 yards. With James Conner (foot) out for the season Benson is positioned as the Cardinals' clear lead back, meaning of he were to miss any time change-of-pace man Emari Demercado and No. 3 option Michael Carter would step into significant workloads. Wednesday's official practice report will reveal how much, if any, on-field work Benson's injury currently allows him to handle.

Benson rushed eight times for 35 yards and brought in all five targets for 19 yards in the Cardinals' 23-20 loss to the Seahawks on Thursday night. He also recovered a fumble.

Benson operated as the unquestioned lead back in the Cardinals' first game without James Conner (IR, foot), but he finished with two fewer carries than in Sunday's Week 3 loss to the 49ers. Benson did record a season high in receptions and outpaced No. 2 back Emari Demercado by six carries, but game script conspired to afford him almost as much pass-catching work as rushing volume. Benson should have a better opportunity to handle a larger workload during a Week 5 home matchup against an ineffective Titans defense on Sunday, Oct. 5.

Benson will take on a larger workload moving forward following news that fellow RB james Conner is set for season-ending foot surgery, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Conner was carted off the field Sunday in San Francisco after sustaining what initially was called an ankle injury, but coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed Monday that its to the veteran running back's right foot. In Conner's stead, Benson will get the first chance to lead the Cardinals backfield as he looks to build upon the 29 touches for 170 yards from scrimmage and no touchdowns that he's accumulated through the first three games of the season. Aside from Benson, a 2024 third-round pick, Arizona's healthy RBs on the active roster are Emari Demercado and Bam Knight, while Michael Carter resides on the practice squad.

Benson rushed 10 times for 42 yards and caught three of four targets for nine yards in Sunday's 16-15 loss to San Francisco.

James Conner (ankle) was carted off with a severe ankle injury in the second half of Sunday's loss that will reportedly cost Arizona's starting RB the remainder of the season, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Benson took over lead back duties and finished with a healthy 4.2 yards per carry average. The talented backup immediately becomes a must-add player in fantasy following Conner's unfortunate injury. Emari Demercado figures to enter the mix for touches as well, but he failed to gain positive yards on two carries Sunday. Expect Benson to start for the Cardinals when the team hosts the Seahawks on Thursday Night Football in Week 4.

Benson rushed three times for 14 yards while catching four of six targets for 30 yards in Sunday's 27-22 win over Carolina.

Benson fell back to No. 2 in the RB pecking order Sunday after leading the team in rushing with 69 yards in Week 1. The Florida State product finished with eight fewer carries than starter James Conner (11-34-1), with the former making the bigger impact on the passing game. Conner is still the lead back and preferred fantasy option in Arizona, but Benson has carved out a nice role earning 5-10 touches heading into next Sunday's tilt versus the 49ers.

Benson carried the ball eight times for 69 yards and caught his only target for six yards in Sunday's 20-13 win over the Saints.

The second-year back led Arizona in rushing thanks to a 52-yard scamper around the end on the team's first drive of the second half. James Conner saw 12 carries but gained only 39 yards, with his longest run going for 12, and the split both of touches and of production bodes well for Benson as the season moves forward. He'll look to continue carving out a significant role in the offense at home in Week 2 against the Panthers.

Benson didn't play in Saturday's 27-7 preseason loss at Denver.

The Cardinals held out their top two running backs in James Conner and Benson in their second game of exhibition season. This followed a preseason Week 1 win in which Conner started and turned his three carries into 11 yards before yielding the backfield to Benson, who had nine rushes for 29 yards and one 20-yard catch. Conner has expressed that he expects to cede more work to Benson this season after the former dominated RB reps to the tune of 283 touches in 16 regular-season games in 2024, while Benson totaled just 69 in 13 appearances as a third-round rookie.

Benson rushed nine times for 29 yards and brought in brought in his only target for 20 yards during the Cardinals' 20-17 preseason win over the Chiefs on Saturday night.

The second-year pro, who's projected to see an increased role in the coming season, fittingly led the Cardinals in rush attempts on the night. Benson logged his first touch on Arizona's second possession, recording a nine-yard run. The FSU product also had a nice chunk gain on his one catch, and he's likely to fill another robust role by preseason standards during the Cardinals' second preseason tilt against the Broncos on the road next Saturday night.

Coach Jonathan Gannon believes Benson "is going to take a step" in his second season as a pro, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.

There's no question about James Conner's standing as the top option out of the Cardinals backfield, as the eight-year veteran is coming off a career-best 1,508 yards from scrimmage during the 2024 season. The team invested a third-round pick in Benson two springs ago, but he managed only 69 touches for 350 total yards and one rushing TD in 13 regular-season games as a rookie. He wasn't known for his receiving ability in college, so Benson may need an injury to Conner to make a significant impact in the upcoming campaign.

Benson said Thursday that he added seven pounds during the offseason but feels more explosive, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Benson also said he wants the Cardinals to have "two RB1s" this season, suggesting he's ready for a larger role behind James Conner after taking 69 touches for 350 total yards (on 137 snaps) during his rookie campaign. The 2024 third-round pick missed the final three games of last season with an ankle injury but came back healthy for OTAs and minicamp this spring. There aren't many running backs that offer a better combination of speed and size, with Benson having run a 4.39 40 at the 2024 Combine at 6 feet, 216 pounds. It sounds like he may have maintained that speed while pushing his weight to the 220-225 range.

Benson (ankle) has been participating in the Cardinals' voluntary OTAs, per the team's official site.

Benson missed the last three games of his rookie season due to an ankle injury that required his being placed on IR, but Arizona's offseason photo release now shows him participating in Phase Three of OTAs. Across 13 regular-season appearances as a rookie, the 2024 third-round pick rushed 63 times for 291 yards and one score (4.6 YPC). He was active Week 5 but took no snaps behind workhorse James Conner. Benson is slotted in for a backup role behind Conner entering Year 2 but remains a high-upside developmental option, in the event that the 30-year-old veteran starter atop the depth chart shows signs of regression coming off a career-high 283 touches. Admittedly, though, Conner is a three-down player and impressed with 1,508 yards from scrimmage while remaining healthy for a career-best 16 regular-season games in 2024, and if he reprises a similar performance in 2025 few opportunities will be left over for Benson.

Arizona placed Benson (ankle) on injured reserve Tuesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Benson will end up missing the final three games of his rookie season due to the ankle injury he sustained in a Dec. 15 win over the Patriots. Before getting hurt, the third-round pick out of Florida State had solidified his spot as the top backup to lead back James Conner. Over his 13 appearances, Benson carried 63 times for 291 yards (4.6 average) and a touchdown while reeling in all six of his targets for 59 yards.

Benson (ankle) is inactive for Saturday's game at the Rams, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Benson thus will miss a second consecutive contest due to an ankle injury, but on a positive note he at least was listed as limited on all three Week 17 injury reports, suggesting that his health is trending in the right direction ahead of a Week 18 matchup with the 49ers. As for Saturday, though, James Conner (knee) will continue to lead Arizona's backfield, while Michael Carter and DeeJay Dallas back him up.

Benson (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's contest at the Rams, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

After sitting out Week 16 at Carolina due to an ankle injury, Benson has been listed as limited on all three Week 17 practice reports. No. 1 RB James Conner (knee) followed the same regimen this week, but coach Jonathan Gannon told Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com on Thursday that he wasn't certain about the statuses of both running backs. In the end, The Cardinals will post their list of inactives about 90 minutes before Saturday's 8:00 p.m. ET kickoff, but if Conner and/or Benson are limited or sidelined, Michael Carter and DeeJay Dallas are the next players up at the position.

Benson (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Benson failed to practice at all last week due to an ankle issue before being ruled out on the Cardinals' final injury report, so his ability to log a limited walkthrough Tuesday and a capped session one day later has given him a chance to return to action Saturday at the Rams. Starting RB James Conner (knee) has followed the same practice regimen this week, so their respective listings on Thursday's report may shed light on who among them will lead the backfield Week 17. Michael Carter and DeeJay Dallas are the healthy options at the position on the active roster.

Benson (ankle) was estimated as a limited participant in Tuesday's walk-through practice, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports. ""We'll see how they go, but that's obviously why I didn't rule them out," head coach Jonathan Gannon said of Benson and fellow running back James Conner (knee), who was also listed as a limited participant. "They both have a chance to play [Saturday versus the Rams]."

Conner exited this past Sunday's 36-30 overtime loss to the Panthers with the knee injury, while Benson sat out the contest entirely due to the ankle injury he sustained a week earlier in the Cardinals' win over the Patriots. The two backs seem to be in similar spots in their respective recoveries from the injury, but both may need to upgrade to full participation in practices Wednesday and/or Thursday to avoid taking a designation into Saturday. If neither Conner nor Benson is able to gain clearance for the Week 17 contest, Gannon said that Michael Carter "would get a lot of carries," per Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic.

Benson (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at Carolina, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Benson hasn't practiced this week after exiting early from Arizona's Week 15 win over the Patriots. With fellow backup running back Emari Demercado (back) on injured reserve, DeeJay Dallas figures to step in behind James Conner, who projects for a huge share of Arizona's backfield snaps and touches.

Benson (ankle) didn't practice Thursday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Benson injured his ankle during Sunday's win over the Patriots and never returned. He's now missed consecutive practices and likely would need to participate Friday to have a shot at playing Sunday at Carolina. With Benson in danger of missing the game and Emari Demercado (back) on injured reserve, the Cardinals may give James Conner an even larger workload than usual.

Benson (ankle) didn't take part in Wednesday's practice, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Benson was bounced in the second half of this past Sunday's win against the Patriots due to an ankle injury, which so far is keeping him off the practice field to begin Week 16 prep. With Emari Demercado (back) on injured reserve, DeeJay Dallas is the only other RB on the Cardinals' active roster aside from starter James Conner, while Michael Carter and Tony Jones are on the practice squad.

Benson (ankle) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's matchup with the Patriots.

Benson suffered an ankle injury in the second half, bringing his day to a close after he turned five carries into 22 yards against New England. In his absence, James Conner will continue to handle the lion's share of touches at running back in Week 15.

Benson carried twice for 15 yards and recorded a four-yard reception on his lone target in Sunday's 30-18 loss to the Seahawks.

While James Conner remains locked in as Arizona's lead back, Benson has been effective as a change-of-pace option and could be moving ahead of Emari Demercado as the team's preferred backup. The rookie third-round pick is averaging a healthy 4.6 yards per carry over his 58 totes on the season and has also made the most of his opportunities in the passing game, recording a 6-59-0 receiving line on six targets through 12 appearances. Though Benson played just 10 of the Cardinals' 71 snaps on offense in the loss, that was still enough to match or surpass Demercado's snap count (eight) for the third time in the last four games.

Benson turned four carries into 18 yards during Sunday's 16-6 loss in Seattle.

Benson ranked second among Cardinals in rush attempts but paced the team in yards on the ground, while James Conner had seven carries for eight yards, and Emari Demercado reeled off a single 14-yard run. Benson and Demercado earned nine offensive snaps apiece, usage that was well behind Conner's 40 (out of 58). Considering Conner continues to handle the bulk of the work afforded Arizona's backfield, Benson may need a better game script to replicate his success from before the team's Week 11 bye, when he racked up 21 touches for 142 yards from scrimmage and one TD between Weeks 9 and 10.

Benson rushed 10 times for 62 yards while corralling both of his targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 31-6 rout of the Jets.

Benson continued to spell starter James Conner, but we saw the rookie get his touches much earlier in the contest this time around. The 22-year-old Benson may be getting more plays drawn up for him in the weekly game plans in order to give Arizona another threat on offense. James Conner produced the bigger fantasy score and remains the starter for the Cardinals as the team enters its bye. That said, Benson's usage should be monitored in the event his role increases when Arizona resumes play against Seattle in Week 12.

Benson recorded eight carries for 37 yards and one touchdown and caught his only target for 18 yards during Sunday's 29-9 win against the Bears.

Benson's usage was sporadic for the first seven appearances of his career, but in Week 9 he was sprinkled in throughout the contest alongside fellow reserve RB Emari Demercado behind No. 1 option James Conner. It didn't hurt that Conner missed a possession late in the first half to get checked for a concussion, but Benson earned the second-highest snap share (28 percent) to date and matched his second-most touches in a game this season. The rookie third-rounder also scored his first touchdown as a pro on a one-yard run in the second quarter. However, Conner continued to dominate the Cardinals backfield to the tune of 48 percent of snaps and 21 touches for 119 yards from scrimmage, while Demercado was at 24 percent and six touches for 80 total yards and a rushing TD. Considering the breakdown of work, it remains difficult to trust Benson for weekly output without some sort of absence from Conner.

Benson (illness) is listed as active Monday against the Chargers, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Benson has received at least some offensive snaps in five of the Cardinals' six contests this season, but his touch count has ranged from 2-to-12 in those outings. Overall, most of his work has occurred in garbage time, but he's racked up 30 carries for 107 yards and two catches (on two targets) for 12 yards working primarily behind James Conner and Emari Demercado. A similar small workload is possible for Benson in Week 7 after dealing with an illness this weekend.

Benson was added to the injury report Saturday with an illness and is listed as questionable for Monday's contest against the Chargers, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.

Benson has averaged over five yards a carry each of his last two games, but he's only tallied 21 total offensive snaps during that stretch. If the rookie were to miss time, Emari Demercado would likely assume even more of the backup role behind usual stalwart James Conner.

Benson turned five carries into 26 yards during Sunday's 34-13 loss at Green Bay.

Despite trailing by double-digit points for most of the last three quarters, the Cardinals didn't abandon the run entirely, with all of James Conner (seven), Kyler Murray (seven), Emari Demercado (four) and Benson handling at least four rushes. Benson's yardage tally actually led the team, and for the first time since Week 4, his touches occurred before garbage time. No injuries befell Conner or Demercado, so the sudden usage before the waning moments was a bit of a surprise. Benson is averaging just 3.6 yards on his 30 carries this season, a rate that would require significant usage for the rookie third-round pick to gain wide fantasy relevance.

Benson was active but didn't play in Sunday's 24-23 victory in San Francisco.

Meanwhile, James Conner continued to dominate the Cardinals backfield to the tune of a 79 percent snap share and 21 touches, and Emari Demarcado earned 22 percent of snaps and just one touch (a catch for no yards). Benson has had two outings this season with significant touches -- 12 in Week 2, nine in Week 4 -- but in the most recent one, all but one of the nine occurred in garbage time of a blowout loss to the Commanders. Benson thus is firmly behind Conner and Demercado among Arizona's running backs.

Benson tallied nine carries for 50 yards and one fumble, which was recovered by the Cardinals, during Sunday's 42-14 loss to the Commanders.

Prior to the fourth quarter, Benson's sole touch was a six-yard run early in the second quarter. The rookie third-round pick then garnered eight consecutive rushes in the fourth quarter to close out what was a lopsided defeat. Considering almost all of his production happened in garbage time, Benson has yet to supplant Emari Demercado as the preferred option to spell Arizona's top backfield option James Conner.

Benson had two carries for eight yards during Sunday's 20-13 loss to the Lions.

Benson's only two offensive snaps occurred on back-to-back plays in the third quarter. Otherwise, he ceded the backfield to starter James Conner (44 of 59 snaps, 10 touches) and reserve option Emari Demercado (12 and two, respectively). Benson did earn 12 touches Week 2, but he otherwise has six in his other two appearances, leaving him difficult to trust in the vast majority of formats.

Benson tallied 11 carries for 10 yards and one catch (on one target) for seven yards during Sunday's 41-10 win against the Rams.

Through two games in his NFL career, Benson has spelled starting running back James Conner, but the former's snap share increased from 13 percent Week 1 to 33 percent Sunday, while fellow reserve option Emari Demercado went from 21 to 11 percent. Benson's efficiency on the ground (1.6 YPC) hasn't emerged yet, but he at least seems to be the No. 2 RB for the Cardinals heading into Sunday's game against the Lions.

Benson rushed three times for 13 yards and secured his only target for five yards during Sunday's 34-28 loss to the Bills.

Benson worked as the No. 2 runner behind starter James Conner, though Emari Demercado remained involved in the receiving game, as he finished Week 1 without a carry but brought in both of his targets for 26 yards. The rookie third-round pick will look to build his involvement as his familiarity grows, but Conner clearly remains Arizona's featured back heading into a Week 2 matchup against the Rams.

Benson carried the ball nine times for 43 yards and was not targeted as a receiver in Saturday's preseason loss to the Colts.

The third-round pick started at running back for the second week in a row as veteran starter James Conner continues to sit along with quarterback Kyler Murray during exhibition play. Benson fared much better in his second go around as temporary lead back after gaining just 21 yards on eight carries last week. It is worth noting that the rookie remained ahead of Emari Demercado (shoulder) on Saturday after the latter returned from a minor injury. Perhaps Benson has a shot to elevate himself into the No. 2 role over the incumbent option based on how the players were deployed while both active.

Benson had eight carries for 21 yards during Saturday's 16-14 preseason defeat to the Saints.

With the Cardinals sitting their starting offense outside of rookie WR Marvin Harrison, Benson, a 2024 third-rounder, got the call on the team's first snap from scrimmage and ended up pacing Arizona in rushes. The trend may continue in the team's final two exhibitions because No. 1 QB Kyler Murray isn't expected to play until Week 1, meaning top RB James Conner could be destined for a similar outcome. If so, Benson should have plenty of chances to establish himself on the depth chart, especially with fellow back Emari Demercado dealing with a shoulder injury at the moment.