Trey Benson Injury Update: Key Timeline for Fantasy Managers on Cardinals RB Return

The Arizona Cardinals are navigating a challenging season as they deal with injuries in their backfield. Running back Trey Benson remains on injured reserve after having surgery on his meniscus earlier in October. As the team approaches its bye week, fantasy football managers are looking for updates on Benson’s potential return.
Trey Benson Injury Update
Benson’s knee injury occurred during the Week 4 game against Seattle. Initial assessments didn’t indicate a severe issue, but the situation rapidly deteriorated. Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon mentioned that the team was unaware of the injury’s severity until Benson reported significant soreness days post-game.
According to reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Benson underwent arthroscopic surgery on October 1, initiating a recovery timeline of 4-6 weeks. This means he has already missed three complete games while on injured reserve. With the Cardinals entering their Week 8 bye, Benson gains additional recovery time and does not miss any more game action.
Timeline for Return
Under NFL rules, Benson must miss at least four games, which includes Week 9 against Dallas. His earliest possible return would be in Week 10 against Seattle, a timeline that matches his initial recovery projection. Although the Cardinals have not provided detailed updates, no setbacks have been reported.
Benson Fantasy Outlook
- Benson’s absence has led to an unpredictable backfield for the Cardinals.
- Michael Carter and Bam Knight have shared the workload, with varying degrees of success.
- Carter had a standout performance in Week 5 but has since seen diminished production.
When he returns, Benson is expected to reclaim a significant role. Prior to his injury, he had impressive stats: 29 carries for 160 yards and 13 receptions for 64 yards over four games. His skill set makes him a valuable asset in both standard and PPR formats.
As the Cardinals continue to struggle offensively after losing key players like James Conner and Benson, the team needs consistent production from its backfield. Fantasy managers who have been patient with Benson during his recovery can look forward to his potential return, where he may offer solid RB2 value for the remainder of the season.