The Arizona Cardinals waived running back Trey Benson with an injury designation on Monday after he was unable to return from a lingering knee injury, according to Cardinals Wire.
Benson was injured in Week 4 last season and did not get back on the field to play.
The move corresponded with the Cardinals activating edge rusher Josh Sweat from the Active/PUP list, along with several other roster moves the same day.
What Is Confirmed About the Benson Waiver
Benson returned to practice after going on injured reserve last season, but he had a setback and went back on injured reserve to finish the year.
He began practicing again during training camp this offseason, had a couple of good practices and then experienced another knee flare-up.
He had not practiced since, Cardinals Wire reported.
If Benson goes unclaimed on waivers, he will revert to injured reserve and remain there until he receives an injury settlement, according to Cardinals Wire.
Benson’s Production in Arizona
The Cardinals selected Benson in the third round of the 2024 draft.
As a rookie, he rushed for 291 yards and one touchdown while averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
He also caught six passes for 59 yards.
Last season, Benson entered the year as the No. 2 running back behind James Conner.
In four games before the knee injury, he rushed for 160 yards at an average of 5.5 yards per attempt and made 13 receptions for 64 yards.
A Crowded Backfield Made the Decision Easier
Arizona overhauled its running back room this offseason, using the No. 3 overall pick on Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love and signing veteran Tyler Allgeier in free agency, on top of retaining longtime starter James Conner.
That depth left little margin for Benson to hold a roster spot once his knee flared up again during camp.
The move ends Benson’s time with Arizona after an injury interrupted his second season with the club.
The Cardinals’ decision also concludes a stretch in which Benson showed production in limited action before the knee injury sidelined him.
Message Reported After the Move
ClutchPoints, citing Sports Illustrated’s Donnie Druin, reported that Benson shared an Instagram Story after the release. The reported message focused on responding to adversity and on faith in the future.
That reported post came after the Cardinals waived Benson with an injury designation, while his status on waivers will determine whether he reverts to injured reserve under the process described by Cardinals Wire.
What Happens Next
Benson’s immediate status is tied to the waiver process. If he is not claimed, Cardinals Wire reported that he will revert to injured reserve until he receives an injury settlement.
Any opportunity beyond that would depend on how the waiver and injury-settlement process unfolds.
For Arizona, the confirmed change is that Benson is no longer on the roster after the team waived him with an injury designation, freeing up space as Josh Sweat rejoins practice.
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