Arizona Cardinals Face Backfield Crisis as Trey Benson's Return Looms
The Arizona Cardinals are confronting a pivotal moment in their 2025 NFL campaign, with all eyes on the recovery of running back Trey Benson. The promising back suffered a significant knee injury back in Week 4, an event that has forced a major reshuffle in the team's offensive strategy. Having spent several weeks on injured reserve, Benson's absence has been deeply felt.
Benson's Recovery: A Day-by-Day Evaluation
Although Benson became eligible to return to active duty last week, he was notably absent from the lineup against the Seattle Seahawks. This has cast a shadow of uncertainty over his availability for the crucial Week 11 matchup. Head coach Jonathan Gannon provided a candid update on the situation, emphasizing a cautious approach.
"He's doing well. Take it day-by-day there," Gannon stated, managing expectations. "He's not gonna be out there today, but he is doing better. What does close mean? I don't know what close means. Take it day-by-day, but he's doing well. He's progressing."
The Cardinals' medical and coaching staff is closely monitoring Benson's rehabilitation, which has shown steady and positive improvement. The primary goal is to ensure he returns to the field only when he is fully healthy, avoiding any risk of re-injury.
Roster Mechanics and Backfield Implications
The procedure for Benson's return is a critical factor. The team must first designate him for return from injured reserve. This action would open a 21-day window for the Cardinals to officially activate him to the 53-man roster. Failure to activate him within this period would mean he misses the entire 2025 season.
His potential return is even more vital considering the recent ankle injury to fellow running back Bam Knight during Week 10. This double blow has left Arizona's backfield depth in a precarious state. The team's rushing attack has already been struggling without Benson, and Knight's exit exacerbates the problem.
Should both Benson and Knight be unavailable for Week 11, the Cardinals will likely turn to Emari Demercado to lead the backfield, with Michael Carter serving as the primary backup. This scenario would test the team's offensive flexibility during a demanding part of their schedule.
As the Cardinals navigate this critical stretch, the decision on Benson's activation is more than just a roster move; it's a strategic choice that could define their offensive identity for the remainder of the season. All attention now turns to Wednesday's roster updates, which are expected to provide much-needed clarity on whether the key running back will suit up for Week 11.
