Trey Benson’s long-anticipated return just hit another unexpected turn, and fantasy football managers are left guessing what really happened. The Cardinals have officially shut him down for the season, ending all hopes of a late-year boost to Arizona’s backfield.
Jonathan Gannon’s comments this week were cautious — maybe even cryptic — about Benson’s progress. Whatever the setback is, it’s serious enough to keep fantasy owners watching closely and wondering what could have been.
Trey Benson Injury Update
The Arizona Cardinals officially announced on Dec. 10 that running back Trey Benson would not be activated from the injured reserve during his 21-day return window, which ends his 2025 season.
Arizona’s backfield will continue to be a three-headed group with Emari Demercado, Bam Knight, and Michael Carter all having roles when healthy.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Dan Fornek
Benson Fantasy Outlook
Jonathan Gannon seemed awfully guarded when discussing the Trey Benson (knee) situation last week, and that should have you planning on being without him until we get either consecutive days of glowing reports or actual on-field proof that he’s recovered.
Gannon expressed some cautious optimism about his returning to play this season. However, he also implied that you don’t rush activation when the player would still be at risk of being shut down shortly thereafter.
Bam Knight continues to be the man getting the work, but this is yet another brutal matchup. It should be noted that the Cards host the Falcons before traveling to Cincinnati in Weeks 16-17: if this is still Knight’s gig at that point, we might be able to have a RB2 discussion, but for now, in a pass-centric offense for a franchise with nothing real to play for, this looks, for now, like an outright avoid situation for Week 16.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Kyle Soppe
READ MORE: Soppe’s Week 15 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em: Analysis for Every Player in Every Game
Trey Benson’s season-ending shutdown underscores the uncertainty that has surrounded Arizona’s backfield all year. While Jonathan Gannon continues to keep details close to the vest, it’s clear the Cardinals are prioritizing long-term health over short-term production.
For fantasy managers, Benson’s absence means turning attention to Emari Demercado, Bam Knight, and Michael Carter — a committee unlikely to offer consistent relief in a pass-heavy offense. With Arizona out of contention and key matchups ahead, the situation remains one to monitor for dynasty formats. Still, for 2025 redraft leagues, it’s time to close the book on Benson’s rookie campaign officially.
