The Arizona Cardinals' running back situation took another brutal hit this week. Trey Benson, the promising second-year back who had just stepped into the spotlight, underwent knee surgery and landed on injured reserve. He's expected to miss four to six weeks, leaving the team scrambling once more after James Conner's season-ending injury earlier. Indeed, what was shaping up as a fresh start for the ground game now feels like a recurring nightmare for coach Jonathan Gannon.
Benson's absence comes right after he showed flashes of potential. In Week 4 against the 49ers, he racked up 71 yards on 14 carries before tweaking his meniscus. Now, with Conner out since late September, the Cardinals are down to a patchwork crew at the position. Emari Demercado emerges as the likely lead back, having already proven reliable with 52 yards on eight touches last outing. He's the third-down specialist, quick and shifty, but can he handle a full workload? Michael Carter slots in behind him, bringing veteran savvy from his Jets days, while rookie Bam Knight lurks as a wildcard—raw power but untested in big spots.
However, this shuffle isn't ideal. The Cardinals' offense, already middling at 22nd in rushing yards per game, now leans on unproven talent heading into Week 5 against the Seahawks. Demercado's PPR appeal spikes for fantasy owners, sure, but the real question is durability. Carter might see 10-15 carries if Demercado falters, and Knight could sneak in for goal-line duties. Moreover, Gannon hinted at a committee approach, rotating all three to keep legs fresh—though that risks inefficiency against Seattle's stout front.
It's a tough break for a team eyeing playoffs, exposing vulnerabilities in depth that offseason moves didn't fully address. The Cardinals' backfield, once a strength with Conner and Benson, now tests the roster's resilience in ways few predicted.
Will this forced experimentation spark something new, or just prolong the struggles?