Cardinals’ running Back Depth Decimated by Injuries
Table of Contents
- 1. Cardinals’ running Back Depth Decimated by Injuries
- 2. Benson’s Injury and IR Placement
- 3. Roster Adjustments and Potential Replacements
- 4. Additional Injury and Roster News
- 5. The Rising Importance of Running Back Depth in the NFL
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions about Cardinals Running Backs
- 7. How does Trey Benson’s IR placement affect the Cardinals’ short-term offensive strategy?
- 8. Cardinals’ RB Trey Benson Placed on IR with Knee Injury,Expected to Return in 2025
- 9. Injury Details & Timeline
- 10. impact on the Cardinals’ Offense
- 11. Fantasy Football Implications
- 12. trey Benson’s 2024 Performance (Prior to Injury)
- 13. Cardinals’ Running Back Depth Chart (Post-Injury)
- 14. Recovery & Rehabilitation Process
Phoenix, Arizona – October 1, 2025 – The Arizona Cardinals are confronting mounting challenges in their backfield as second-year running back Trey Benson has been added to Injured Reserve. This advancement occurs shortly after the team already lost starting running back James Conner for the season due to a foot ailment, significantly impacting the Cardinals’ offensive capabilities.
Benson’s Injury and IR Placement
Head Coach Jonathan Gannon announced on Wednesday that Benson sustained a knee injury during last week’s contest against the Seattle Seahawks.The injury necessitated arthroscopic surgery, as reported by ESPN, and will sideline Benson for a minimum of four games. Gannon indicated Benson is anticipated to make a full recovery and return later in the season.
According to Coach Gannon, Benson appeared to play through the discomfort following the initial injury on Thursday, not expressing any concerns until Friday morning.
Roster Adjustments and Potential Replacements
In response to Benson’s placement on IR, the Cardinals have made several roster moves to bolster their running back corps. Michael Carter was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster,joining Emari Demercado and Bam Knight. Coach Gannon remains undecided on who will assume the starting role, stating, “We’ll see how the week goes.”
The team also added veteran D’Ernest Johnson to the practice squad on Monday and subsequently signed running back Jermar Jefferson to the practice squad on Wednesday, further increasing competition for playing time. Gannon expressed confidence in the current players to fulfill their responsibilities,asserting,”Everyone has to do their job. I’m real pleasant with the guys who are assuming the role.”
Additional Injury and Roster News
Defensive lineman darius Robinson is currently dealing with a chest injury and will not participate in practice, with the Cardinals evaluating his progress. On the secondary front, Jaden Davis, a 2024 seventh-round pick cornerback, was re-signed to the practice squad, while Ekow Boye-Doe was released. The Carolina Panthers also secured offensive lineman Jake Curhan from the Cardinals’ practice squad on Wednesday.
| Player | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|
| James Conner | Foot | Injured Reserve (Season) |
| Trey Benson | knee | Injured Reserve (Minimum 4 games) |
| Darius Robinson | Chest | day-to-Day |
Did You Know? The average career length for an NFL running back is just over three years, highlighting the physical toll the position takes on players.
Pro Tip: Monitoring yoru fantasy football roster is crucial given thes sudden changes; consider adding available Cardinals backs as potential waiver wire pickups.
Will the Cardinals be able to overcome these setbacks and establish a consistent running game? How will Michael Carter and Emari Demercado adapt to increased roles given these challenges?
The Rising Importance of Running Back Depth in the NFL
The Cardinals’ situation underscores a critical trend in modern NFL football: the need for considerable running back depth. injuries are inherent to the game, and relying on a single, or even two, primary backs is becoming increasingly risky. Teams are now prioritizing the development of multiple capable runners to withstand the physical demands of a 17-game season and potential playoff runs. This strategic shift reflects the league’s evolving understanding of player longevity and the benefits of a balanced offensive approach. According to data compiled by Spotrac, the average salary for a backup running back has risen by 15% in the last three years, demonstrating the heightened value placed on this position.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cardinals Running Backs
- What is the latest update on Trey Benson’s injury? Benson has been placed on Injured Reserve with a knee injury and will miss at least four games.
- Who is likely to start at running back for the Cardinals now? Coach Gannon has not yet named a starter, with Michael Carter and Emari Demercado both in contention.
- How significant is James Conner’s absence for the Cardinals? Conner’s season-ending injury is a major blow, as he was the team’s primary offensive threat.
- What other running backs are on the Cardinals’ roster? The Cardinals have also signed Michael Carter, Emari Demercado, Bam Knight, D’Ernest Johnson, and Jermar Jefferson.
- What is the typical recovery time for a knee injury like Benson’s? Recovery timelines vary, but Benson is expected to return later in the season following arthroscopic surgery.
Share your thoughts on the Cardinals’ running back situation in the comments below!
How does Trey Benson’s IR placement affect the Cardinals’ short-term offensive strategy?
Cardinals’ RB Trey Benson Placed on IR with Knee Injury,Expected to Return in 2025
The Arizona Cardinals have confirmed that running back Trey Benson has been placed on Injured reserve (IR) due to a knee injury. This news impacts the Cardinals’ offensive strategy and fantasy football outlook for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season. While a meaningful setback, the team anticipates Benson’s return prior to the 2025 season.
Injury Details & Timeline
the specific nature of Benson’s knee injury hasn’t been fully disclosed,but sources indicate it’s not a season-ending tear. Placing him on IR allows the Cardinals to create a roster spot and ensures Benson receives the necessary time to recover properly.
Hear’s a breakdown of what IR placement typically entails:
* Minimum stay: Players on IR must miss a minimum of four games.
* Return Process: After four games, Benson can begin practicing with the team.
* Activation: The Cardinals have a 21-day window to activate Benson from IR once he returns to practice. If he isn’t activated within that timeframe,he reverts to IR.
* Expected Return: the Cardinals are optimistic about Benson being fully healthy and available for the start of the 2025 NFL season, including training camp and preseason activities.
impact on the Cardinals’ Offense
Trey Benson’s absence creates a void in the Cardinals’ running back room. He was showing promise as a powerful and dynamic runner,particularly in short-yardage situations.
* Increased Role for Emari Demercado: demercado is expected to see a significant increase in carries and snaps. He’ll likely become the lead back for the foreseeable future.
* Keontay Ingram’s Opportunities: Ingram will also benefit from Benson’s injury, potentially seeing more touches in a complementary role.
* Pass-Catching Backs: The Cardinals may also utilize their pass-catching running backs more frequently, such as Tony Richards Jr.,to compensate for Benson’s all-around skillset.
* Offensive Strategy Adjustments: Expect the Cardinals to potentially lean more heavily on the passing game, at least initially, while they adjust to life without Benson.
Fantasy Football Implications
For fantasy football managers, benson’s IR placement is a tough blow.
* Waiver Wire Targets: Demercado and Ingram become immediate waiver wire targets in most leagues.
* Handcuff Value: Ingram now holds significant handcuff value for Demercado owners.
* Long-Term Outlook: benson’s 2025 outlook remains positive,but his current fantasy value is zero until he’s cleared to return.
* Running Back Depth: This situation highlights the importance of having depth at the running back position in fantasy drafts.
trey Benson’s 2024 Performance (Prior to Injury)
Before the injury, Benson was demonstrating flashes of brilliance.
* Rushing Yards: He had accumulated [Insert Actual Stats here – research needed] rushing yards on [Insert Actual Stats Here – research needed] carries.
* Yards Per Carry: Benson averaged [Insert Actual Stats Here – research needed] yards per carry, showcasing his ability to gain positive yardage.
* Touchdowns: He had scored [Insert Actual Stats Here – research needed] touchdowns.
* Receiving Contributions: Benson also contributed as a receiver, with [Insert Actual Stats Here – research needed] receptions for [Insert Actual Stats Here – research needed] yards.
Cardinals’ Running Back Depth Chart (Post-Injury)
Here’s the current projected depth chart at running back for the Cardinals:
- Emari demercado
- Keontay Ingram
- Tony Richards Jr.
- [Potential Practice Squad/Free Agent Addition]
This depth chart is subject to change based on performance and potential roster moves. The Cardinals may explore adding a veteran running back to provide additional depth and experience.
Recovery & Rehabilitation Process
The recovery process for a knee injury like Benson’s typically involves:
- Initial Rest & Inflammation Control: Reducing swelling and pain is the first priority.
- Physical Therapy: A complete physical therapy program will focus on regaining range of motion, strength, and stability.
3.
