Man, training camp is always brutal, but for some guys, it’s a real make-or-break situation. And right now, Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson is staring down a future that looks incredibly uncertain. This dude, a promising third-round pick just two years ago, is officially “on notice” as competition heats up, and frankly, the numbers against him are stacking up in a seriously tough way. It’s early in camp, but the picture for Benson is already looking pretty grim.
From Promising Pick to Roster Bubble
Remember when Benson got drafted in 2024? There were huge hopes for the guy, right? We’re talking about a running back with real size and explosive speed, the kind of talent you immediately think could become a legitimate No. 1 back in this league. The potential was absolutely massive. But then, disaster struck. Not once, but two consecutive seasons have been cut short by injuries. That’s brutal, absolutely brutal luck for any player, let alone one trying to establish himself in the toughest pro sport out there. That kind of injury history, especially so early in a career, just makes everything harder. It’s not just about getting back on the field and being healthy; it’s about the team having to make moves and potentially move on while you’re sidelined.
The Competition Is Real, And It’s Ugly for Benson
The Cardinals, like any smart NFL franchise, didn’t just sit around waiting for Benson to fully recover. Nope, they went out and made some serious moves. They grabbed Tyler Allgeier via free agency, locking down another strong option in the backfield. Then, they smartly re-upped James Conner’s contract, ensuring a veteran presence would be back for another year. And if that wasn’t enough to stack the deck, they drafted Jeremiyah Love third overall this year, adding even more young talent to the mix. So, where does that leave Benson right now? Sitting, uncomfortably, at the No. 4 running back spot on the depth chart. And here’s the kicker, the absolutely brutal reality of the NFL: being the fourth running back on a roster means you HAVE to be an impact special teams ace. It’s not optional; it’s non-negotiable for roster longevity. You gotta contribute somewhere else.
But here’s the massive problem: Benson has played exactly zero special teams snaps in his entire NFL career. ZERO. Let that sink in. In college? He never returned punts. He only returned five kickoffs across three years, even if one of those did go for a touchdown. That’s just not enough experience or tape to suddenly become an “impact special teamer” overnight in the pros. He’s simply not equipped for the crucial role the team needs from a fourth-string guy, and that’s a killer.
A Long Shot for September
So, what’s the path forward for Trey Benson to make the Cardinals’ roster in September? Honestly, looking at the situation, it’s a serious long shot. He either has to somehow transform himself into a special teams monster almost immediately, or the Cardinals need someone else in the running back room to get hurt or get traded. And about that trade idea? Let’s be real: his injury history and the relatively low value of his position make any trade incredibly tough to pull off. The Cardinals would probably be lucky to snag a late Day 3 pick for him, if anything at all. Unless he pulls off a miracle on special teams or some major roster shuffling happens, it’s looking incredibly grim for Trey Benson to be on the Arizona roster come September.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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