Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) runs out on to the field before they play the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 25, 2025.

For the first time in weeks, the Arizona Cardinals had an update on running back Trey Benson's status.

On Wednesday, Nov. 19, the team announced it had opened Benson's 21-day practice window, giving the running back a chance to return before the end of the regular season.

The second-year pro has been out since suffering a knee injury in the Week 4 game against the Seattle Seahawks. It was bad timing for Benson and the Cardinals as the running back was making his first start in relief of James Conner, who sustained a season-ending foot injury one week earlier.

The Cardinals placed Benson on injured reserve (IR) as he underwent surgery to repair his meniscus. He's now missed more than the four requisite games that come with an IR stint.

After beginning the season 2-2, the Cardinals have dropped all but one of their six games since Benson's injury in a season that has been heavily marred by ailments. Conner, starting quarterback Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr., the team's No. 1 receiver, have all missed multiple weeks with various issues.

The injury update for Benson on Nov. 19 was the biggest news the team has had on the running back in some time. Here's what we know:

When will Trey Benson return?

The Cardinals opened Benson's 21-day practice window on Nov. 19, giving them until Dec. 10 to activate the second-year back.

Benson practiced on Nov. 19 and was still a limited participant as he works his way back from a meniscus injury. Barring a drastic leap in recovery and full participation in practice this week, Benson will miss a seventh straight game in Week 12.

If he takes the full 21 days to recover, the Florida State product would be in line to return for Week 15's game against the Houston Texans. It's possible Benson returns earlier than that – Week 13 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is an optimistic projection, and Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams is a more conservative estimate if he doesn't need the full 21 days.

Despite missing six games, Benson is still fourth on the Cardinals in rushing yards (160) and just 81 yards behind the team's rushing leader this year, Bam Knight (241).

Cardinals RB depth chart

Arizona's running back depth is being tested in Week 12.

  • Zonovan "Bam" Knight (questionable – ankle)
  • Michael Carter
  • Emari Demercado (out – ankle)
  • Trey Benson (IR – knee)
  • James Conner (out for season – foot)

Carter was the only Cardinals running back listed as a full participant in practice on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Arizona has already ruled out Demercado with the ankle injury he suffered last week, and Knight was limited in the Nov. 19 practice with an ankle injury of his own.

Benson's looming return is coming at a good time to get the Cardinals some injury relief, but it may too late in what looks like a lost season in Arizona.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When will Trey Benson return? Latest injury updates on Cardinals RB

Reporting by Jack McKessy, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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