What started as a dream opening to the 2025 season has quickly turned into a nightmare for the Arizona Cardinals. After beginning 2-0, the team now finds itself not only dropping games but also losing key players in the process, most notably in the running back room.
It all unraveled back in Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers. The Cardinals fell just short in a 16-15 battle, but the scoreboard wasn’t the worst part of the night. Veteran running back James Conner went down with a right foot injury that required surgery, ending his season before it really got going.
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For a player who’s been the heartbeat of Arizona’s ground game, the loss was crushing, and it left the Cardinals scrambling for answers. That’s when Benson was handed the keys. Fans were eager to see what the young back could do, and he gave glimpses of his potential in his start against the Seattle Seahawks just days later.
He finished with 35 rushing yards on eight carries, along with 19 yards on five receptions. But the night ended on a somber note again, as Benson left the game with a knee injury in the 23-20 loss.
The news everyone feared came soon after: Benson would be heading to injured reserve. Head coach Jonathan Gannon did his best to reassure reporters, noting that the rookie’s season isn’t over, but the reality is that Benson will miss at least four games. Sitting 24th on PFSN’s Offense Impact Metric, it’s another gut punch for the Cardinals team, who are already short-handed.
So, who’s next? Arizona will turn to Emari Demercado, a reliable third-down back who’s about to be tested with a bigger role. Behind him, Michael Carter and Zonovan “Bam” Knight will share opportunities, while newly signed Jermar Jefferson waits for his chance on the practice squad.
Even Gannon admitted there’s no clear-cut replacement. “I don’t know,” he said when asked if Demercado could handle the full workload. “We feel good about Bam, Emari, and Mike Carter. I’m sure all three of them will play.”
Now sitting at 2-2, the Cardinals have a little extra time to regroup before they host the Tennessee Titans in Week 5. But with both Conner and Benson sidelined, the offense faces a tough stretch ahead.
However, it’s a next-man-up mentality for the Cardinals. The only question is who’ll step up?
