As the Arizona Cardinals gear up for the 2026 NFL season, the running back room has transformed into one of the league's most enviable — and most crowded. With the August 27, 2026, roster cutdowns looming, the team made a surprising but ultimately logical decision: release third-year running back Trey Benson with a waiver/injury designation. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the move underscores a brutal reality of the NFL: talent alone doesn't guarantee a roster spot, especially when health and depth chart competition collide.
The Injury That Changed Everything
Benson's downfall began in Week 4 of the 2025 season, just one week after he stepped in for the injured James Conner. A significant meniscus tear in his left knee required surgery and landed him on injured reserve. While the team hoped he'd return in 2026, a flare-up during training camp kept him sidelined for all preseason games and practices. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, the lack of a healthy Benson eliminated any potential trade market — no team wants to acquire a running back who can't pass a physical. The Cardinals had options: stash him on IR for the season, keep him on the 53-man roster then move him to IR, or cut him outright. They chose the latter, and he cleared waivers, reverting to Arizona's IR list.
A History of Health Issues
Benson's injury history is a red flag that even his college production couldn't erase. At Florida State, he rushed for 990 and 906 yards in his final two seasons, scoring 23 touchdowns, but he missed the entire 2020 season with a torn ACL. As a rookie with the Cardinals, he managed just 291 rushing yards and one touchdown on 63 carries, plus 59 receiving yards, while missing the final two games with an ankle injury. The meniscus issue now compounds a pattern that screams 'injury-prone.' The coaching staff, led by a new regime, clearly decided they couldn't rely on a player who's more likely to spend time on IR than reach 1,000 yards.
A Backfield Full of Talent
The Cardinals' running back room is stacked, making Benson expendable. General Manager Monti Ossenfort signed Tyler Allgeier from the Atlanta Falcons in free agency and drafted Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Veterans Bam Knight and Corey Kiner were re-signed, and James Conner, despite his own injury history, remains a proven bruiser with over 6,000 career rushing yards and 72 touchdowns. In preseason action, Knight, Kiner, and even Evan Hull all showed flashes — Kiner led the team in rushing against the Raiders with 59 yards, and Hull paced the Cowboys game with 51 yards. The competition was fierce, and Benson simply couldn't participate.
What's Next for Benson?
With Benson clearing waivers, the Cardinals now face a decision: keep him on IR and rehab him in the building, or settle with him and release him entirely. If they choose the latter, Benson will be on his own to get healthy, a daunting task given his track record. For a player who once showed promise as a third-round pick, this is a harsh fall. But in the NFL, as the Vulius analysis team notes, opportunity is often tied to availability. Benson's talent is undeniable, but his body hasn't cooperated — and in a league where every roster spot is precious, the Cardinals decided they couldn't wait any longer.
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