### Cardinals' Running Back Situation Deteriorates as Trey Benson Remains on Injured Reserve The Arizona Cardinals have officially announced that running back Trey Benson will not return for the remainder of the 2025 NFL season, following a knee injury sustained in Week 4. This decision comes as the team struggles with a dismal 3-10 record, exacerbated by injuries to key players, including James Conner and Kyler Murray. Benson, a third-round pick from Florida State, was expected to be a significant contributor to the Cardinals' ground game this season, but his absence has left the team in a precarious position as they rank 26th in rushing yards per game [https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-cardinals-rbs-shambles-nfl-fans-react-arizona-announces-trey-benson-decision-amid-3-10-record][https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/cardinals_rb_trey_benson_will_not_return_this_season/s1_14819_43186897]. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation 1. **Injury Status of Trey Benson** - Benson was placed on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury in Week 4 against the Seahawks. - The Cardinals opened a 21-day practice window for him on November 19, but he was unable to participate fully and has now been ruled out for the season [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/arizona_cardinals_running_back_trey_benson_will_not_return_in_2025/s1_17396_43186508]. 2. **Impact on the Team's Performance** - The Cardinals have struggled offensively, ranking 26th in the NFL in rushing, averaging fewer than 100 yards per game. - With Benson and Conner sidelined, Zonovan Knight leads the team with only 271 rushing yards, averaging 3.3 yards per carry [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/cardinals_rb_trey_benson_will_not_return_this_season/s1_14819_43186897]. 3. **Coaching and Team Response** - Head Coach Jonathan Gannon expressed disappointment over Benson's inability to return, highlighting the team's ongoing struggles with injuries [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/arizona_cardinals_running_back_trey_benson_will_not_return_in_2025/s1_17396_43186508]. - The Cardinals will now rely on a combination of Bam Knight, Michael Carter, and Emari Demercado to fill the void left by Benson [https://www.profootballrumors.com/2025/12/cardinals-rb-trey-benson-will-not-return-this-season]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Benson's Season Stats**: - Rushing Yards: 160 - Rushing Attempts: 29 - Yards Per Carry: 5.5 - Receptions: 13 - Receiving Yards: 64 [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/cardinals_rb_trey_benson_will_not_return_this_season/s1_14819_43186897]. - **Team Rushing Performance**: - Current Ranking: 26th in NFL - Average Rushing Yards Per Game: Less than 100 - Leading Rusher: Zonovan Knight with 271 yards [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/cardinals_rb_trey_benson_will_not_return_this_season/s1_14819_43186897]. ### Conclusion: A Season of Missed Opportunities for the Cardinals In summary, the Arizona Cardinals face a challenging end to the 2025 season, compounded by the loss of key players like Trey Benson. The team's inability to activate him from injured reserve has left them with a struggling rushing attack, contributing to their disappointing 3-10 record. Moving forward, the Cardinals will need to adapt quickly and find ways to improve their performance as they prepare for the upcoming draft. 1. **Benson's injury has significantly impacted the Cardinals' offensive capabilities.** 2. **The team ranks poorly in rushing, highlighting the need for immediate improvements.** 3. **Coaching staff must navigate the remainder of the season with limited resources.** [https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-cardinals-rbs-shambles-nfl-fans-react-arizona-announces-trey-benson-decision-amid-3-10-record][https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/cardinals_rb_trey_benson_will_not_return_this_season/s1_14819_43186897].