After starting just one game as a rookie with the Arizona Cardinals, Trey Benson was set for a bigger role following James Conner’s season-ending injury. The young running back made the most of that opportunity, showcasing his explosiveness and versatility until injury troubles caught up with him as well.
Now placed on injured reserve, Benson’s timeline for return remains uncertain. So what’s the latest on his recovery, and does he have a chance to suit up in Week 7? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Trey Benson’s Recovery Timeline?
Benson suffered a knee injury late in the Cardinals’ Week 4 matchup against the Seahawks after stepping in as the team’s primary back following Conner’s season-ending ankle injury. In that game, the second-year running back had shown promise, carrying eight times for 35 yards and adding five receptions for 19 yards.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon noted that the team didn’t initially realize the severity of Benson’s knee issue until he reported soreness at the facility days later.
The situation escalated quickly over that weekend, with further evaluation revealing the injury required surgical intervention. ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed that Benson underwent the arthroscopic procedure to address the meniscus damage, effectively ending any hopes for a quick return to action.
The former Florida State standout was eventually placed on injured reserve and has now missed two full games. Early projections suggested a 4-6 week recovery, but the reality appears more cautious. Given the nature of meniscus surgery and the Cardinals’ historically conservative approach to rehabilitation, fans should anticipate the longer end of that timeline.
If all goes smoothly, Benson’s earliest potential return could come around Week 11-12, with a maximum possible return by Week 10. Due to NFL IR rules, he must sit out at least four games, and having already missed contests against Indianapolis and Tennessee, he will be sidelined for at least two more games. The team’s Week 8 bye offers additional recovery time, delaying his return to game action.
Before the injury, Benson had been making the most of his opportunity, totaling 29 carries for 160 yards and 13 receptions for 64 yards over four games. Since his absence, the Cardinals’ offense has struggled to maintain the same efficiency, ranking 25th in PFSN’s Offensive Impact metric.
Arizona has since relied on a committee approach in the backfield, featuring Emari Demercado, Michael Carter and Zonovan “Bam” Knight. That trio combined for 21 carries for 69 yards in the Week 6 loss to the Colts, underscoring the team’s urgent need for consistent production while Benson recovers.
