The Arizona Cardinals have activated linebacker Josh Sweat off the Physically Unable to Perform list and waived injured running back Trey Benson.

Related players: Jeremiyah Love, Tyler Allgeier, James Conner, Zonovan Knight

If Benson clears waivers he will revert to the teams IR list. The writing was on the wall for someone in the Arizona backfield after the team signed Allgeier and drafted Love this past spring. Benson could land somewhere else but he's still dealing with a knee injury that cost him his 2025 season.

Coach Jonathan Gannon confirms that James Conner will have surgery and is done for the season.

Related players: Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, Zonovan Knight

We reported earlier today Conner would need surgery and be out indefinitely, but this outcome shouldn't come as any surprise given the way Conner left the field in Week 3. Benson will take over as the lead back and there was another report today Demcercado will slide in as the team's RB2. The Cards could make a move for another back at some point, but for now, look for Benson to be given the first chance to be the new RB1.

Cardinals RB James Conner, who was carted off with his ankle immobilized, will need surgery to repair the injury he suffered, sources say.

Related players: Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, Zonovan Knight

Conner is still undergoing tests to determine the full extent of the damage. But, he is out indefinitely, the post went on to say. Benson will likely take over the lead back duties, and should get usage in both the running and passing game. If for some reason he's still on your waiver wire, he'll be a popular target this week. Benson had three catches but for just nine yards, however, he did end up with 10 carries for 42 yards on the ground. It's possible the team looks to bring in another back with Conner seemingly out a while.

Cardinals RB James Conner was carted off the field following an ankle injury during the third quarter against the 49ers.

The fact that both teams came out onto the field in support of Conner as well as the broadcast not initially showing a replay (RedZone did later show a replay) may tell you all you need to know about the situation. Conner had nine rushes for 22 yards and 15 yards on three catches. Look for 2024 third-round pick Trey Benson, who was already getting more work, to step into the lead role.

Cardinals RB James Conner (questionable, knee) is 'trending in the right direction' for Saturday vs. Rams, per source.

Related Players: Trey Benson

Benson also seems likely to play, which presumably leaves the rotation intact for Saturday. Consider Conner an RB2 if he's cleared by kickoff.

Make that another day of practice for Arizona Cardinals RBs James Conner and Trey Benson.

A good sign for their respective statuses this Saturday.

Related Players: Michael Carter

If both are cleared ahead of kickoff, we should assume a pretty standard split, with Benson probably taking a slight uptick in work. Consider them respective RB2 and RB4s if that is the case.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon did not rule out RBs James Conner or Trey Benson, adding they still have a chance to play this week.

Related players: Michael Carter

That being said, Carter would be in for a larger workload if they have to miss Saturday, the post went on to say. The Cardinals play on Saturday in the late game so owners will have plenty of time to make the decision on any of these players. Carter did get five carries for 18 yards and also caught five balls for 30 yards.

S Jalen Thompson is a Thursday add with an ankle issue. RB James Conner remains limited with a finger injury.

Related Players: Trey Benson, Emari Demercado

Demercado has seen far more 2024 action than Benson, but you'd have to think the rookie would see more run if Conner misses Week 10. That said, both back-ups will likely be stay-aways in most fantasy formats against the Jets defense.

For those thinking the RB2 battle was firmly between Michael Carter and rookie Trey Benson, Emari Demercado has something to say.

Throughout camp, Demercado has been a common occurrence subbing in for starter James Conner during first-team work.

It’s only been one day of pads, the story went on to say, but Demercado's pass-protecting ability, which earned him valuable playing time as a rookie, has been on display early on. The story went on to say keeping Murray upright is crucial to a successful season, and it’s clear the Cardinals are liking what Demercado is bringing to the table so far. It went on to say behind Conner and Demercado, Carter got first crack at second-team reps, with rookie Trey Benson subbing in for the veteran. Given the draft capital the team paid for Benson, it should only be a matter of time before he starts to make a move up the depth chart.

The Cardinals have activated RB James Conner for Sunday’s game against the Falcons.

The Cardinals now have two of their biggest playmakers back for Sunday as quarterback Kyler Murray is also returning. Conner gives the Cardinals a huge boost in the running game, especially with Emari Demercado also injured. Conner should be plenty of touches as a result and should be considered as an RB2 this week.