Trey Benson has said many times how much he has learned from James Conner since being drafted last year.
Now the running back needs to use that knowledge to keep the Cardinals running game going since Conner will no longer be available.
“He’ll be my motivation for the rest of the season,” Benson said.
Coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed Monday that Conner is indeed done for the season. The veteran will need surgery on his right foot – not the ankle, as originally announced – and will work to return in 2026.
“You hate that it happens,” Gannon said. “I know he’ll take the right attitude and bounce back.
“Taking up that slack, both the player and the person, we’ll all have to collectively do it.”
That leaves the backfield to Benson to begin with. The rest of the running back room includes Emari Demercado and Bam Knight. Once Conner goes on Injured Reserve, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see veteran Michael Carter elevated to the roster from the practice squad. Gannon, to that possibility, said Carter’s situation is to be determined.
The Cardinals, after defensive lineman L.J. Collier went on IR last week, have an open spot on the 53-man roster already.
On the season, Benson has a team-leading 125 yards on 21 carries, a 6.0-average, in support of Conner. Conner had 95 yards on 32 carries.
“I could’ve been more decisive, but it takes time,” Benson said of his game against the 49ers. “It’s my second year in the league. There is room for improvement.”
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