Which NFL winning streaks are in danger heading into Week 11?
USA TODAY Sports’ Joe Rivera and Chris Bumbaca break down which teams riding a hot streak could be in danger of losing this this weekend.
The Arizona Cardinals dropped to 3-6 following their Week 10 loss against the Seattle Seahawks but did so without some of their top contributors on offense.
Cardinals running back Trey Benson was forced to miss his fifth consecutive game as he recovers from a knee injury he suffered during his first start of the year in Week 4 against the Seahawks on “Thursday Night Football.”
Benson was expected to take over No. 1 running back duties for Arizona after James Conner suffered a season-ending ankle injury against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3. However, Benson made just one start and then the second-year player underwent surgery to repair his meniscus, forcing him to miss an extended period of time.
The absence of Conner, Benson, and quarterback Kyler Murray has been a significant blow to Arizona in 2025. The Cardinals also got news earlier Wednesday that wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will miss Week 11 after undergoing surgery for appendicitis.
With the Cardinals desperate for playmakers, when will Benson return? Here’s the latest on the second-year running back:
When will Trey Benson return?
Benson remains on injured reserve (IR) with the knee injury. He has missed five games and six weeks as Arizona’s bye fell in Week 8.
With Benson on injured reserve (IR), it required him to miss at least four games. He has surpassed that, which means he is eligible to return at any point. The team has not provided an updated timeline since early October, stating then the injury would keep him out at least the next 4 to 6 weeks.
Coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters on Nov. 12 that Benson is “taking it day by day.”
The running back has not had his 21-day practice window opened yet. At this point, it doesn’t appear likely the 23-year-old will be back on the field this Sunday when the Cardinals play the 49ers.
Benson has had a full six weeks to recover, suggesting his return is on the horizon based on the original timetable.
The Cardinals’ offense has been anemic at times, and the hope is that Benson can provide a boost upon his return to the lineup. The Cardinals host San Francisco on Sunday in Week 11 and then the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12.
Cardinals RB depth chart
Here’s a look at who the Cardinals have at RB with Benson remaining sidelined:
Knight and Demercado have shared responsibilities and split time out of the backfield. Knight has been the lead with Demercado and Carter on hand to spell him. Demercado is coming off a performance with 104 total yards on just seven touches, but Knight led the backfield with 10 carries.
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