The Arizona Cardinals' offensive backfield will have to wait a little longer for a key reinforcement. Rookie running back Trey Benson, a promising talent for the franchise, continues his stint on injured reserve with no definitive date set for his return to the field.
Recovery Timeline Extends Beyond Initial Hopes
Benson is working his way back from an arthroscopic knee procedure, but the rehabilitation process has proven more prolonged than the team and fans initially anticipated. As the NFL season marches towards Week 14, the uncertainty clouding his availability has become a significant subplot for the Cardinals' campaign. The young back has not seen game action since Week 4, creating a substantial void in the team's ground attack.
While there was a glimmer of hope when Benson was designated to return from injured reserve on November 19, the Cardinals have held off on activating him to the 53-man roster. A limited practice session earlier in the week offered optimism, but his subsequent absence from practice drills raised immediate red flags about a potential setback in his recovery.
The Crucial Activation Deadline Looms
The Cardinals now face a pressing deadline. The team has until December 10 to decide whether to activate Benson or leave him on IR for the remainder of the season. This shrinking window makes the coming days critical. Insiders, including team reporter Darren Urban, indicate the next week will serve as a major checkpoint, especially with the 21-day activation window nearing its end.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon has been deliberately vague about the specifics, maintaining a day-to-day evaluation stance. The fact that Benson finished the latest week of preparation as a non-participant has effectively ruled out a comeback in Week 14, tempering expectations among the fanbase and analysts alike.
Week 15 Emerges as Realistic Comeback Target
Barring a dramatic and sudden improvement in his knee condition, the most plausible scenario now points to a Week 15 return. The Cardinals' medical and coaching staff are clearly prioritising caution, balancing the immediate need for his skills with the paramount importance of his long-term health and ensuring he is fully ready to contribute.
In the interim, Arizona's depth at the running back position remains under severe strain. The offensive play-calling continues to adapt in the absence of Benson's dynamic playmaking ability. His eventual return is seen as a potential catalyst that could rejuvenate the Cardinals' offensive rhythm for the final stretch of the season.
For now, the storyline demands patience. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will remain on the practice reports and Coach Gannon's briefings, with the hope that Benson can finally make his impactful return to the gridiron in the coming weeks.
