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Cardinals Hand Backfield to Trey Benson After Conner’s Season-Ending Surgery

Team leaders voiced strong confidence in the second-year back’s promotion.

Overview

  • James Conner underwent surgery for a severe foot injury and was placed on injured reserve, ending his 2025 season.
  • In Thursday night’s game against Seattle, Trey Benson handled most early-down snaps while Emari Demercado worked passing downs and two-minute situations, per PFF.
  • Arizona elevated Michael Carter from the practice squad as the primary early-down backup, and Bam Knight was active primarily on kick returns.
  • Head coach Jonathan Gannon and quarterback Kyler Murray publicly backed Benson to shoulder the role, citing growth with increased playing time.
  • Benson enters the job with limited starting experience but strong early efficiency, including a reported 6.0 yards per carry in 2025, as Arizona leans on a rotation behind him.