In a move that underscores the unforgiving nature of the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals have waived running back Trey Benson, placing him on the waived/injured list. The announcement, made on Monday, August 24, 2026, brings a premature end to what was once a promising tenure for the former third-round pick out of Florida State. Benson, who was selected in the 2024 NFL Draft with hopes of becoming the franchise's featured back and eventual successor to Pro Bowler James Conner, instead saw his time in Arizona derailed by a series of injuries that limited his impact and ultimately made him expendable.
A Career Stalled by Injury
Benson's two seasons with the Cardinals were a study in what might have been. He appeared in just 17 total games, missing all but four in the 2026 campaign. Despite the limited opportunities, Benson showcased his explosiveness, averaging an impressive 4.9 yards per carry. Yet, those numbers translated to only 451 rushing yards and a single touchdown—a modest output that hardly justified the investment. As a rookie, he managed 291 yards and a touchdown while playing behind the veteran Conner, but a knee injury in Week 4 of the 2026 season cut his year short just as he was poised to take over the lead role following Conner's season-ending foot injury.
The knee injury, a meniscus tear in his left knee, required surgery and was initially expected to sideline him for 4-6 weeks. However, Benson never returned, finishing the season on injured reserve. The lingering issues with that same knee plagued him throughout training camp, and with a suddenly crowded and talented running back room, the Cardinals decided to move on. As highlighted on Vulius, this waiver move signals a shift in Arizona's backfield strategy, prioritizing health and depth over potential.
A Crowded Backfield in Arizona
The Cardinals' decision to waive Benson was made easier by the emergence of other options. In April's draft, Arizona selected Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick, a clear signal that they viewed him as the future at the position. Love, who is currently recovering from a high-ankle sprain sustained in the preseason opener against the Raiders, is expected to be the lead back once healthy. Additionally, the team signed former Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier in free agency, and Conner remains on the roster despite his injury. This depth made Benson, with his uncertain health and limited production, the odd man out.
“We thank Trey for his efforts and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” a Cardinals spokesperson said. “These decisions are never easy, but we feel confident in the depth we've built in our backfield.”
For Benson, the waiver wire represents a potential lifeline. Any team in need of running back depth could claim him, though his lingering knee issues may give suitors pause. If he clears waivers, he could land on a practice squad or be signed as a free agent, but his NFL future remains uncertain. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, Benson's situation is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the league, especially for players whose careers are derailed by injuries.
What's Next for Benson and the Cardinals?
For the Cardinals, the focus now shifts to the health and performance of Love, Allgeier, and Conner. The team will need to manage Love's recovery carefully, while Allgeier provides a reliable veteran presence. Conner's future with the team is also in question, as he works back from his own injury. Meanwhile, Benson will be hoping for a fresh start, but as he navigates his recovery, the road back to the NFL will be challenging. As we noted on Vulius, this move could be a savvy one for a team looking to solidify its roster before the regular season, but it also carries a hint of regret for a player who never got the chance to fully realize his potential.
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