The Arizona Cardinals’ backfield has been dealt another major blow.
Just one week after losing James Conner for the season, the team announced that Trey Benson has been placed on injured reserve following a knee injury suffered in last week’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Benson underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair his meniscus and is expected to miss four to six weeks.
By rule, he’ll miss at least four games, with the earliest possible return coming in Week 10 against Seattle.
Cardinals RB Trey Benson is being placed on injured reserve due to his knee injury. pic.twitter.com/MiWZHtfHj6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 1, 2025
Cardinals’ New Backfield Rotation
Head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed that Benson will return this year, but in the meantime, Arizona will rely on a committee approach.
Emari Demercado, Michael Carter, and Bam Knight are all expected to share touches beginning with this week’s matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Demercado has primarily been used as a passing-down back, while Carter, signed off the practice squad, has experience as a starter from his days with the New York Jets.
Knight has mostly been limited to special teams work, though he could see an increased role with the depth chart thinning.
Trey Benson going on IR. I'd add Michael Carter rather than Emari Demercado. I think Demercado will remain the receiving down back, Carter should get more of the early down and short yardage work. pic.twitter.com/lNwqL7JBPJ
— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) October 1, 2025
Season Outlook
Benson had impressed in limited action before the injury, rushing for 160 yards at 5.5 yards per carry while adding 13 receptions in four games. His absence creates an opening for Demercado to emerge as a potential three-down option, with Carter providing valuable versatility and pass protection.
Still, losing their top two running backs in consecutive weeks puts the Cardinals in a difficult position as they try to stay competitive in the NFC. A Week 10 return for Benson could stabilize the backfield, but until then, Arizona will have to piece together its ground game.
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