The Arizona Cardinals have waived running back Trey Benson with an injury designation. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Benson has cleared waivers and will be placed on injured reserve.
Benson, a former third-round pick from the 2024 draft, has not played since Week 4 of the 2025 season due to a torn left meniscus sustained against the Seattle Seahawks. Although he returned to practice, he was not activated, as his knee has not fully recovered.
The Cardinals signed Tyler Allegeier in free agency and selected Jeremiyah Love with their top draft pick, complicating Benson's chances of making the roster. Veteran James Conner also restructured his contract to remain with the team. Benson's injury has allowed players like Bam Knight and Corey Kiner to gain more playing time during the preseason, as they push for a spot on the 53-man roster.
With Benson heading to injured reserve, this marks the second time in three years he has faced a significant injury. The Cardinals are expected to start the season with a backfield rotation of Love, Allegeier, and Conner, with one of Knight or Kiner likely to be included for depth and special teams.
Head coach Mike LaFleur has indicated that Love is making progress from his injury, but it remains uncertain if he will be ready for the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The team can designate up to eight players to return from injured reserve throughout the season, but only two of those spots can be utilized for players placed on injured reserve before the initial roster submission.
