Cardinals down two RBs after Benson placed on injured reserve

Benson excited the team’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 25, near the end of the game. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Benson is expected to miss at least the next four games as he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his meniscus.

While Benson is expected to be back this season, the Cardinals will have to play without two of their top running backs for the next several games. The news comes less than two weeks after veteran back James Conner was ruled out for the season with an ankle injury, leaving Arizona with a massive hole to fill in the backfield.

Benson, drafted out of Florida State in his second year, had eight carries for 35 yards in Thursday’s loss against Seattle. With Conner out, he has been filling in with 29 carries for 160 yards and 13 receptions for 64 yards.

The loss of Conner was already putting Arizona in a tough position in its running game, but the loss of Benson also puts a strain on the team without its young, explosive player. The offense may be forced to shift toward a heavier reliance on quarterback Kyler Murray.

With Benson and Conner out, the Cardinals signed Michael Carter from the practice squad to the active roster.

Arizona’s loss comes at a critical time for the team as it tries to rebound from back-to-back defeats, both decided by opposing field goals.

The Arizona Cardinals will host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 1:05 p.m.