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Cardinals Rookie Benson Out 4-6 Weeks with Hamstring Strain
1 Oct
Summary
- Cardinals rookie RB Trey Benson suffers Grade 2 hamstring strain
- Benson placed on IR, expected to miss Weeks 5-7, targeting return in Week 8
- Injury elevates Zonovan Knight, Michael Carter, Emari Demercado as fantasy options
On October 1st, 2025, the Arizona Cardinals received disappointing news regarding their rookie running back Trey Benson. Benson, a third-round pick out of Florida State, has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, sidelining him for 4-6 weeks.
The injury occurred during the Cardinals' 34-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday. Benson was carted off the field in the second quarter after a non-contact cut on a route, having rushed for just 9 yards on 4 carries in limited action.
Coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed the diagnosis post-MRI, noting Benson will miss at least Weeks 5-7, with a targeted return for Week 8 against the Giants on October 26th. This setback disrupts the Cardinals' backfield plans, elevating Zonovan Knight, Michael Carter, and Emari Demercado as immediate fantasy beneficiaries.
Benson's absence opens the door for a committee approach behind starter James Conner, who has 248 rushing yards and 3 TDs through four games but faces workload concerns at age 30. Zonovan Knight, the 2022 third-rounder out of NC State, sees his stock skyrocket as the primary backup, while Michael Carter and Emari Demercado also gain rotational value.
The Cardinals' offense, averaging 4.2 yards per rush through four weeks, relies on Kyler Murray's mobility, but Benson's exit forces a ground game rethink. Conner remains the RB1, but the trio's expanded roles could yield fantasy gold in a favorable Week 5 matchup against the 49ers' 18th-ranked run defense.
