The Arizona Cardinals waived running back Trey Benson with an injury designation on Monday, August 24, 2026, ending a two-year, injury-riddled stint in the desert. Benson struggled with lingering issues in his surgically repaired left knee, clearing the way for a revamped backfield in Arizona ahead of NFL roster cuts.
Trey Benson Waived as Knee Issues Persist
The Arizona Cardinals waived/injured running back Trey Benson on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, according to official team reports. Benson, selected with the 66th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Florida State University, saw his time in Arizona repeatedly derailed by physical setbacks. After appearing in 17 total games across two seasons, he accumulated 451 rushing yards on 92 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt, alongside 123 receiving yards on 19 receptions, according to Revenge of the Birds.
Benson’s trajectory shifted sharply in September of the 2025 season. After stepping into an expanded role following a season-ending foot injury to long-time starter James Conner, Benson tore his meniscus during a game against the Seattle Seahawks. Although he returned to practice in November, he never regained comfort on the surgically repaired left knee and was shut down for the remainder of the year in early December.
The physical hurdles followed him into training camp this summer. Head coach Mike LaFleur noted that Benson suffered a flare-up
in his left knee, which initially appeared to be a day-to-day concern but ultimately sidelined the running back for three weeks, according to Azcentral. Minutes before the transaction was announced, LaFleur told reporters, We’re just taking it one day at a time with Trey right now. Truly, that’s all I got for you with that one.
Roster Overhaul and a Crowded Backfield
The decision to part ways with Benson also reflects aggressive offseason roster construction aimed at addressing a rushing attack that ranked 31st in the league the previous year. The Cardinals added Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier, while James Conner accepted a pay cut to stay in Arizona, according to Pro Football Rumors. Bam Knight also entrenched himself in the mix, benefiting from an established relationship with LaFleur dating back to their time with the New York Jets.
With Benson waived/injured, he will revert to injured reserve if he clears waivers on Tuesday, according to CBS Sports. Given his health status, analysts suggest that claiming him off waivers carries significant risk for interested franchises, leaving the 24-year-old’s immediate playing future in limbo as the team prepares for the September 13 season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Josh Sweat Activated From PUP List
While the running back room underwent surgery, the Cardinals received a major boost on the defensive side of the ball. Edge rusher Josh Sweat was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list on Monday, clearing him to return to the practice field ahead of workouts in Green Bay.
Sweat missed voluntary organized team activities and spent training camp on the active/PUP list while managing a left knee issue that has required maintenance since his college career, according to the team’s official site. The 29-year-old pass rusher, who signed a contract after following former defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon to Arizona, led the team with a career-best 12 sacks last season.
“Just seeing him and his big smile … having him out there, seeing the No. 10, seeing the jersey fly around is exciting. There is so much anticipation watching him play. He is a player of that caliber. You love to play with a guy like that.”
Roy Lopez, defensive lineman
Additional Roster Moves and Injury Updates
The Cardinals’ flurry of roster adjustments on Monday extended across multiple positions as the team faced an NFL deadline to trim rosters to 53 players by Sunday at 6 p.m. ET. Wide receiver Xavier Weaver was placed on Injured Reserve after suffering a hamstring injury during the preseason game against Dallas on Saturday night.
To bolster secondary depth following injuries to Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Wydett Williams, and Kalen King, Arizona signed safeties Hudson Clark and Devyn Bobby. The team also released tight end Baylor Cupp and wide receiver Bryson Green. Meanwhile, punter Blake Gillikin continues to nurse a groin injury sustained on Saturday, though LaFleur indicated it is not a long-term concern and that the punter will not be available for the final preseason contest against the Packers.
