Cardinals not activating Trey Benson off IR, ruling him out for season

TEMPE — The Arizona Cardinals are not activating running back Trey Benson off injured reserve, head coach Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday.

Benson, whose 21-day practice window opened on Nov. 19, had until Wednesday to be activated off IR or remain on it for the rest of the year.

“It’s part of the game,” Gannon said. “I know he’s disappointed, we’re disappointed.”

It’s a tough ending to Benson’s 2025 campaign, especially with the hype surrounding his expected jump in Year 2.

His season comes to an end with only 29 carries for 160 yards in four games played (one start). The second-year pro also caught 13 of 16 targets for 64 yards.

With Benson sidelined for the remainder of the season, the Cardinals’ running back room will continue to be led by Bam Knight and Michael Carter.

Benson has not played since Week 4 against the Seattle Seahawks, one week after the Cardinals lost starting running back James Conner to a season-ending ankle injury.

Paris Johnson Jr. ruled out for Cardinals-Texans

Gannon also ruled starting left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. out for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday that Johnson suffered an MCL sprain and could miss time.

Cardinals sign OL depth

The Cardinals signed offensive linemen Wyatt Bowles and Tyler Cooper to the practice squad on Tuesday.

Bowles is a rookie guard out of Utah State who spent time with the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad this season.

Cooper is also a rookie guard who was previously with the Washington Commanders after playing college ball at Minnesota.

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