Injured Cardinals RB Provides Optimistic Recovery Update
Injuries have plagued the Arizona Cardinals this season, particularly in their running back lineup. Recently, injured running back, Keaontay Benson, offered an optimistic update on his recovery from a meniscus tear.
Injury Overview
Benson sustained his knee injury during a Thursday Night Football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4. This injury required surgical intervention.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon stated that Benson is expected to return to the field later this season, likely by Week 10, when the team faces Seattle again.
Context of the Injury
Benson took over the starting position following the season-ending injury of James Conner, who is out due to a foot injury. Quarterback Kyler Murray expressed his concerns about losing teammates, but he remains confident in Benson’s return and the abilities of the remaining running backs.
- Benson’s Stats: He averaged 5.5 yards per carry before the injury.
- Explosive Plays: Benson had notable runs of 52 and 29 yards in the games leading up to his injury.
Current Running Back Situation
With Benson sidelined, the Cardinals are relying on a new roster of running backs, including Bam Knight, Michael Carter, and Emari Demercado. The team’s rushing performance has declined significantly, averaging 113 rushing yards per game compared to 144 last season.
In addition to the running back woes, the quarterback situation remains tenuous. Kyler Murray is also dealing with a foot injury and could miss several games.
Team Dynamics and Future Outlook
Arizona is currently 2-4 as they prepare to face the Green Bay Packers in Week 7. Gannon acknowledged the need for a balanced offensive strategy. He noted that while the team focused more on the passing game in their recent match against the Indianapolis Colts, they aim to improve their running efficiency moving forward.
As Benson inches closer to a return, and with Will Hernandez back in the starting lineup, the Cardinals hope to regain their offensive potency. Benson remains optimistic about contributing soon, which could significantly benefit the team.
Fans will be watching closely for updates on both Benson’s recovery and the overall performance of the Cardinals as the season progresses.
