The Arizona Cardinals' running back situation took another brutal hit this week, with Trey Benson landing on injured reserve after knee surgery. Just days after stepping into the spotlight following James Conner's season-ending injury, the second-year back from Florida State underwent arthroscopic meniscus repair. Sources close to the team indicate he'll miss four to six weeks, leaving the desert squad scrambling once more for stability in the backfield.
Indeed, it's a tough break for a Cardinals offense already reeling. Conner, their workhorse last season with over 1,000 rushing yards, went down in Week 3, thrusting Benson into the starting role. He showed flashes—racking up 85 yards on 18 carries in his debut start against the Rams—but a tweak during Sunday's loss to the 49ers sidelined him abruptly. Now, with both top backs out, Arizona's depth chart looks thin and unproven. Emari Demercado, the speedy third-down specialist, steps up as the likely lead, having logged 42 yards on eight touches last game. Behind him, Michael Carter and rookie Bam Knight could see more snaps, though neither has proven they can carry the load week in, week out.
However, the shuffle raises real concerns. Demercado's pass-catching skills are a plus in PPR fantasy circles, but his slim frame—barely 200 pounds—might buckle under a full workload. Carter, a castoff from the Jets, brings veteran savvy but limited explosiveness, while Knight, undrafted out of Temple, remains a wildcard with just a handful of preseason carries. Coach Jonathan Gannon insists the team will lean on a committee approach heading into Week 5 against the Seahawks, but that feels like a polite way of saying uncertainty reigns.
Moreover, this injury bug has exposed vulnerabilities in Arizona's roster construction. Trading for depth last offseason might have helped, yet here they are, piecing together a ground game on the fly. As the Cardinals push toward a playoff push in a competitive NFC West, how they adapt could define their season—or highlight deeper flaws in the trenches.
In the end, football's unpredictability keeps everyone guessing, but for now, the Cards' rush attack hangs in the balance.