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The mystery surrounding Cardinals RB Trey Benson’s return

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated Dec 3, 2025 2:10 PM ET

GLENDALE – When the Arizona Cardinals announced that running back Trey Benson would have his 21-day practice window open on November 19th, fans around the Valley were relieved to get some good news during this nightmare 2025 season. Benson has been sidelined since Week 4, after getting arthroscopic surgery. Since his exit, Arizona’s running game has yielded poor results, but with the 23-year-old’s expected return, the offense looked to be turned around.

However, his practice window announcement was two weeks ago, and since then, there has been nothing but cryptic message from head coach Jonathan Gannon to answer for the delay.

All of Gannon’s update on Benson:

Every Gannon answer on Trey Benson over the past month:

11/5: "Doing well. Take it day by day."
11/12: "Take it day by day."
11/19: "Take it day by day."
11/21: "(He looked) okay. One day at a time."
11/28: "One day at a time."
12/3: "We'll see (if he has a chance to play)."

— Theo Mackie (@theo_mackie) December 3, 2025

The Cardinals have until December 10th to activate Benson to the 53-man roster. If not, the former third-round pick will be placed back on IR and out for the rest of the 2025 season. One must wonder why Arizona opened Benson’s practice window if he still far away from returning to the field. The answer could be that the second-year Cardinals halfback suffered an unknown setback that the team is keeping close to the chest, but that is only speculation.

With the team 3-9, the franchise could be trying to play it safe by benching its young running back coming off surgery to protect his health for the future. Arizona is already eliminated from playoff contention and have nothing left to play for this season.

Pro Bowl running back James Conner suffered a significant right foot injury in Week 3, and with his advance age, could have his career in serious jeopardy. That news leaves the Cardinals without a safety net and forcing them to be careful with how they handle Benson’s injury moving forward.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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