Arizona Cardinals' Trey Benson to Miss 2026 Season; Team Faces Injury Challenges

Arizona Cardinals Confirm Trey Benson Will Sit Out the Rest of the Season
In a recent update, Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon announced that running back Trey Benson will not return to the field until the 2026 campaign. This news comes as a disappointment for fans and the team alike, as Benson has been sidelined since September 25 due to a knee injury.
Despite the possibility of being activated from injured reserve, Benson did not participate in practice last week leading up to the game against the Los Angeles Rams, as noted by Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. This decision highlights the ongoing health struggles at the running back position for the Cardinals this season.
To compound matters, veteran James Conner has also faced his share of injury woes, participating in only three games before being ruled out for the remainder of the year with a foot injury. As Benson was viewed as the primary backup heading into the season, his early setbacks have limited his contributions to just four appearances, where he posted 29 carries for 160 yards and added 13 receptions for 64 yards.
Benson showed promise during his limited opportunities, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and demonstrating his capability in the passing game. The Cardinals selected him with a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, indicating their belief in his potential. At just 23 years old, there is optimism that he could play a significant role in the team's ground game come 2026, provided he maintains his health.
As the Cardinals continue to grapple with injuries, they are currently facing a challenging season, having lost five consecutive games and holding a record of 3-10. With nothing but draft positioning to play for, the team is understandably cautious when it comes to rushing injured players back onto the field. Moving forward, fans can expect Bam Knight to see increased opportunities as the season winds down.
