Here’s a gut-wrenching update for Arizona Cardinals fans: Trey Benson’s 2025 season is officially over. Despite hopes of a return, head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed on Wednesday that the team will not activate the running back from injured reserve (IR). Benson’s 21-day practice window, which opened on November 19, has now closed, leaving him sidelined for the remainder of the year. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this the right call for a player who was expected to make a significant leap in his second year? Gannon described the decision as “part of the game,” but it’s hard not to feel for Benson, who was undoubtedly eager to prove himself after a promising rookie campaign.
Benson’s season ends with just 29 carries for 160 yards across four games (one start), along with 13 receptions for 64 yards. For a player who was hyped as a breakout candidate, this feels like a missed opportunity—both for him and the team. And this is the part most people miss: His absence leaves the Cardinals’ backfield in the hands of Bam Knight and Michael Carter, who have stepped up but lack the explosive potential Benson was expected to bring.
Adding to the team’s woes, starting left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans due to an MCL sprain. This injury further stretches an already thin offensive line, which the Cardinals addressed by signing rookie guards Wyatt Bowles (Utah State) and Tyler Cooper (Minnesota) to the practice squad. Bowles and Cooper, both undrafted free agents, bring much-needed depth but are untested at the NFL level.
So, here’s the big question: Are the Cardinals making the right moves to navigate this injury-plagued season, or are they missing opportunities to develop young talent? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate worth having!
