Trey Benson, the running back the Arizona Cardinals picked in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, is officially on waivers. It is a tough break for the young player, and the Cards made the announcement Monday by placing him on the waived/injured list after what has been two brutal, injury-riddled seasons for him. This guy was supposed to be a cornerstone, a future bell cow, but injuries, man, they just refuse to let some players catch a break.
High Hopes and Harsh Reality
When the Cardinals grabbed Benson out of Florida State, the hopes were sky-high. They eyed him as a potential feature back, maybe even the successor to their former Pro Bowler, James Conner. Everyone was thinking, “Okay, this is their guy, the future of the backfield.” But instead of building that legacy, injuries totally cut his Cardinals tenure short. Now, he is hitting the waiver wire, likely a reclamation project for any team desperate for running back depth. It is a stark reminder of how quickly dreams can get derailed in this league.
He actually looked impactful in the limited carries he got over his two seasons. I mean, 4.9 yards per carry is not something to scoff at, you know? That is solid production. But the opportunities were just too few and far between. He only played in 17 total games, and in 2026, he missed all but four. All that talent, all that potential, and it adds up to only 451 rushing yards and a single touchdown across those limited snaps. His rookie year, playing behind Conner, he still managed 291 yards and a touchdown. You can see the flashes, the “what if” factor, but the durability just was not there.
The Injury That Changed Everything For Him
The real gut punch came in 2026. Benson’s campaign was totally derailed after just Week 4 because of a knee injury. What made it even more frustrating for him and the Cardinals was the timing: this was precisely when he had a golden opportunity to step up as the lead back! James Conner had just gone down with a season-ending foot injury, and the door was wide open for Benson to prove himself. Man, talk about bad luck, right?
He underwent surgery to repair the meniscus in his injured left knee. Initially, the expectation was a 4-6 week recovery. You think, “Okay, he will be back for the stretch run,” but it just did not happen. He could not make it back late in the season, ending up on injured reserve. His left knee was a persistent problem, limiting him even through Cardinals training camp before the season really got going. With Arizona adding Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 pick in April’s draft, and signing former Falcons back Tyler Allgeier as a free agent, plus Conner still being on the roster, Benson became expendable. That is a crowded backfield, and they just could not wait for him.
What’s Next on the Road to Recovery?
So, Trey Benson is off to waivers, and if he lands with another team during their training camp, he is going to have to deal with those lingering issues around his injured left knee. This is a crucial moment for his career. Can he get healthy? Can he overcome these persistent setbacks and prove he can be that impactful player he flashed glimpses of? Every snap, every practice will be under the microscope. We will be watching to see if this talented runner can find a new home and finally catch a break.
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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