Arizona Cardinals’ Eno Benjamin still getting his feet wet in No. 2 RB role

TEMPE — We all knew entering the season that Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner was the team’s unquestioned lead back.

Outside of Conner, though, the question lingered as to who exactly will take over the No. 2 running back role once held by now-Miami Dolphin Chase Edmonds.

At least for one week, we got an answer, with Eno Benjamin garnering the second-most touches in the RB room on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. On top of his four carries for 28 yards, he chipped in 33 more on three catches (four targets), filling that change-of-pace role.

All of Eno Benjamin’s Week 1 touches. pic.twitter.com/9RgVOH1TA8

— Zareh Kantzabedian (@ZKantzFF) September 13, 2022

Unfortunately for Benjamin, he missed out on added opportunities given the Chiefs’ early lead and the Cardinals’ offensive operation. Still, it felt like the role Benjamin envisioned himself having after a promising offseason.

“I kind of still feel like I’m getting my feet wet,” Benjamin said. “I definitely felt like I found just the tempo of the way the game was going and it felt great being out there.

“It’s definitely a good feeling just because I felt like it’s something I’ve been working towards for so long,” the running back added. “And not even just working, it’s something that I knew I had for a very long time as well.”

But while Benjamin appears to have a handle on the No. 2 spot, he knows the work is far from over.

Along with the rest of the team, Benjamin knows their are plenty of things to fix on his end, whether its reading blocks better or getting on the same page with the offensive line.

He’s also got plenty of competition in the RB room.

Waiting in the wings is Darrel Williams, who did not see an offensive snap in the loss but has shown he can impact a high-powered offense in the past.

Jonathan Ward and rookie Keaontay Ingram, who was a healthy scratch on Sunday, are also options that could see their numbers called at some point this season.

For now, head coach Kliff Kingsbury plans to ride the hot hand, understanding each back brings his own style of play to the offense.

And that’s quite all right with Benjamin.

“It’s definitely all still a mystery and I feel like with it that way it just brings out the best of competition between all of us,” Benjamin said. “Not necessarily knowing what’s going on but just being prepared.”

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