Cardinals RB, ASU product Eno Benjamin scores TD in preseason win vs. Dallas

Aug 13, 2021, 11:25 PM | Updated: 11:36 pm

Arizona Cardinals running back Eno Benjamin (26) runs for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

BY KELLAN OLSON

Suns reporter, ArizonaSports.com editor

Arizona Cardinals running back Eno Benjamin had a busy Friday night in a 19-16 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

On top of getting reps in the backfield for the team’s preseason opener, Benjamin was making appearances on kick return duty and the kickoff team too.

Benjamin, a seventh-round pick in 2020 out of Arizona State, was on the roster last year but was not active for any game. On Friday night, Benjamin played like a guy trying to avoid that same fate this season.

“It was a great feeling,” he said postgame of suiting up and playing. “Everything about tonight felt great.”

That included getting his first touchdown as a member of the Cardinals, which also happened to be the only of the game on Friday.

Benjamin’s six-yard rush in the second quarter put Arizona in front 10-3 in the second quarter.

Eno Benjamin gets the edge and the @AZCardinals a lead! @EnoB

📺: #DALvsAZ on @NFLNetwork (or check local listings)
📱: https://t.co/xnJMihfsxy pic.twitter.com/3mQz7WOAhx

— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2021

He also had a carry go for 38 yards in the third quarter.

Eno Benjamin gettin' LOOSE 🏃‍♂️💨

📺: #DALvsAZ on NFL Network (or check your local listings) pic.twitter.com/mfSIauHSjU

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 14, 2021

Benjamin racked up 50 yards on five carries.

With his competition at third-string Jonathan Ward ruled out due to an ankle injury, Benjamin could get more opportunities in the future.

During training camp, head coach Kliff Kingsbury was high on Benjamin’s year-to-year improvement.

“It’s good to see, I can’t tell you how far he’s come from last training camp to now just the way he’s approaching the game, study habits in the classroom, on the field,” the head coach said in early August.

The coach said more of the same after Friday’s game.

“We’ve always known what he can do with the ball in his hands,” Kingsbury said of Benjamin. “He’s a dynamic runner, has great vision, great feet, except for the position. Last year was unfortunate for him that he didn’t get his preseason reps but he’s done a really nice job in camp. Much more focused, much more dialed in and is playing at a high level.”

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Garrett Gilbert (3) warms up prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott walks across the field prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) watches warm ups prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Keanu Neal (42) strips the ball away from Arizona Cardinals tight end Maxx Williams, center, for a fumble during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cowboys recovered the ball. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Garrett Gilbert scrambles against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Keanu Neal (42) strips the ball away from Arizona Cardinals tight end Maxx Williams, center, as Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, right, defends during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Colt McCoy (12) throws against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Neville Gallimore (96) lies injured on the turf during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (5) kicks a field goal as punter Andy Lee (4) holds and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Kelvin Joseph (24) defends during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore (85) runs as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) pursues during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Ron'Dell Carter (97) celebrates his sack against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals running back Eno Benjamin (26) celebrates his touchdown run as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Kelvin Joseph (24) looks away during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Ron'Dell Carter, right, sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Colt McCoy (12) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals running back Eno Benjamin celebrate his touchdown run with cornerback Robert Alford (23) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ced Wilson can't make the catch as Arizona Cardinals running back Tavien Feaster (37) defends during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Garrett Gilbert (3) eludes the reach of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kylie Fitts (49) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Malik Turner (17) is hit by Arizona Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons is during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

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