Tag: Trey Benson

Rookie Trey Benson not at Wednesday practice for Cardinals

Benson, who has an ankle injury, was not on the field for the open part of Wednesday’s practice.

The Arizona Cardinals are having their depth at running back tested. Already without third-down back Emari Demercado for at least the rest of the regular season, rookie Trey Benson is injured.

He was not out in the open part of Wednesday’s practice.

Benson injured his ankle in the team’s 30-17 win over the New England Patriots. He rushed five times for 22 yards in the win.

Demercado was placed on injured reserve on Saturday with a back injury.

With Benson missing practice, it makes sense why the Cardinals signed running back Tony Jones Jr. to the practice squad. Otherwise, the Cardinals would have only had three running backs — James Conner, DeeJay Dallas and practice squadder Michael Carter — available for practice.

If Benson is unable to play this weekend against the Carolina Panthers, expect Carter to be elevated to the active roster and to fill Benson’s role as the guy giving Conner a few snaps off.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

 

RB James Conner should be Cardinals’ offensive Plan A, not Plan B

Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner had 90 rush yards on just 18 carries this past Sunday. Perhaps OC Drew Petzing should make him Plan A.

In Sunday’s 30-18 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner totaled 90 yards on just 18 carries. With an average of five yards per carry, it would seem logical for offensive coordinator Drew Petzing to make Conner plan A on offense moving forward.

Other factors determine Conner’s usage of course, including the dynamics of the game score and team deficit. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald didn’t make life easy for Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray when they faced him in Week 12, and in Week 14, the Seattle defense sacked Murray twice and intercepted him twice as well.

Still, Petzing was set on throwing a total of 38 passes, squandering a crucial red zone opportunity in the fourth quarter which ended in a missed field goal attempt by kicker Chad Ryland.

Petzing has become a nominal new-age statistic, opting to overly use the pass when the running game shows itself effective. It’s far too late in the season to live on lectures, but head coach Jonathan Gannon must gather the troops and get the team back to play rugged football. Petzing’s proclivity for flash has made Murray eager, subjecting the offense to squandered possessions when they should be pacing themselves behind the legs of Conner.

Editor note: Conner had 22 touches in the Cardinals’ 61 offensive plays on Sunday. His 22 touches were tied for the most touches he has had in a game this season. 

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

Fantasy Football: 12 running backs to target on the waiver wire

Christian McCaffrey is hurt again, making Isaac Guerendo a must-add on the fantasy football waiver wire. These are the top RBs to target.

Here we go again.

Christian McCaffrey suffered a knee injury on Sunday Night Football in Week 13 and the San Francisco 49ers announced Monday that he has a PCL injury. McCaffrey will now go on injured reserve and he’s expected to miss the rest of the regular season.

That would have left Jordan Mason as the next man up in San Francisco, but he has a high ankle sprain that will also land him on injured reserve. Mason will now miss at least the next four games.

Following the injuries to both McCaffrey and Mason, Isaac Guerendo is a top priority must-add on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

Elsewhere on the fantasy front, Russell Wilson (43.1%) is gaining steam at quarterback, Adam Thielen (27.3%) is relevant at wide receiver again, and Will Dissly (32.9%) has a good tight end matchup against KC this week.

Today, though, we’re focusing on the running back position. We’ve put together a quick list of 12 running backs to consider on the fantasy football waiver wire going into Week 14.

Fantasy Football Running Back Waiver Wire Targets

1. RB Isaac Guerendo (1.3%): With McCaffrey and Mason both sidelined, it should be the Guerendo show down the stretch in San Francisco.

2. RB Chris Rodriguez (0.2%): The Commanders placed Austin Ekeler on injured reserve with a concussion, leaving Brian Robinson as their top RB. Robinson is not alone in the backfield, however, as Rodriguez had a big day on Sunday with 94 rushing yards and a touchdown. If Washington continues splitting RB touches, Rodriguez could be a gem off the waiver wire.

3. RB Kimani Vidal (10.7%): J.K. Dobbins (knee) was ruled out and then placed on injured reserve, which means he’ll miss at least the next four games. Gus Edwards seems to be the new RB1 for the Chargers, but Vidal was right behind him in carries on Sunday (six to four). He’s a sleeper.

4. RB Alexander Mattison (47.0%): Mattison and Zamir White were both sidelined on Sunday, leaving Ameer Abdullah and Sincere McCormick (0.1%) as the Raiders’ top RBs in Week 13. Mattison is worth picking up for once he returns. If Mattison and White remain sidelined, McCormick will be worth a look in deep leagues.

5. RB Tank Bigsby (32.5%): Coming out of the bye week, Travis Etienne led the Jaguars’ backfield with 13 carries for 46 yards, but Bigsby also got seven carries plus one target. Up next is a Titans defense that allows 120.1 rushing yards per game.

6-12. Handcuff running backs: Jonathon Brooks (47.6%), Tyler Allgeier (41.5%), Zach Charbonnet (50.9%), Blake Corum (14.2%), Ray Davis (11.4%), Trey Benson (24.1%) and Braelon Allen (22.0%).

Roster percentages for players listed in this article were sourced from ESPN. For more fantasy coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Highlighting the offensive struggles of Cardinals, Kyler Murray vs. Seahawks

Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray seemed to be stuck in neutral in Sunday’s 16-6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Did the bye leave him rusty?

Quarterback Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals offense seemed to be stuck in neutral in Sunday’s 16-6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 12. Producing just six points on 56 total plays on offense was rather disappointing, especially after the team averaged 26.2 points per game over its four-game winning streak before the bye week.



Murray finished Week 12 completing 24-of-37 pass attempts for 285 yards. Murray was also sacked five times for a net loss of 36 yards. Punter Blake Gillikin’s left leg is probably ringing from the six punts he was forced to kick this past Sunday thanks to inadequacies in the team’s offense.

While Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald is renowned as a pass-rushing mastermind, Murray’s incoherence was vividly apparent in Sunday’s loss. The raving Seahawks fans, mixed in with the shell coverage deception of the Seahawks’ defense and Murray’s lax demeanor, left Cardinals fans scratching their heads at the struggles. Additionally, the Cardinals had just 14 rushing attempts, a severe decline from their 34 rush attempts on Nov. 3 and 26 rush attempts on Oct. 27.

Murray’s crucial third-quarter interception throw made the Cardinals’ offensive struggles most indicative. At 6-5, the margin for error has become even slimmer for the Cardinals in the NFC West. Hopefully, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing will reflect on this outing and assess some All-22 film to better prepare for the Seahawks and their rematch on Dec. 8 at State Farm Stadium.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

Fantasy Football: 10 running backs to target on the waiver wire

Jeremy McNichols headlines this week’s list of running backs to target on the fantasy football waiver wire.

Happy Thanksgiving Week, football fans.

There are three games on deck this Thursday (Bears-Lions, Giants-Cowboys, Dolphins-Packers), plus a Black Friday game (Raiders-Chiefs).

With four games set to be played before Sunday even arrives, it will be important to set your fantasy football lineups early this week.

Drake Maye (21.7%) is a streaming option at quarterback, Devaughn Vele (1.7%) is emerging as a wide receiver sleeper and Taysom Hill (53%) remains a notable tight end in fantasy.

Today, though, we’re focusing on the running back position. We’ve put together a quick list of 10 running backs to consider on the fantasy football waiver wire going into Week 13.

Fantasy Football Running Back Waiver Wire Targets

1. RB Jeremy McNichols (1.2%): Brian Robinson suffered an ankle injury on Sunday and Austin Ekeler left the game with a concussion. McNichols is left as the next man up for the Commanders.

2. RB Ameer Abdullah (19.3%): Zamir White (quad) and Alexander Mattison (ankle) were held out on Sunday and Abdullah led Raiders running backs with 14 touches for 65 yards and a touchdown.

3. RB Jaleel McLaughlin (15.9%): The Broncos’ backfield will be hard to predict on a week-to-week basis, but McLaughlin led the team with 44 rushing yards on Sunday.

4. RB Tank Bigsby (33.4%): Coming off a bye, Bigsby should be rostered in more leagues in case the Jaguars lean on him down the stretch.

5. RB Roschon Johnson (17.3%): He has six touchdowns with the Bears this season and while chasing TDs is not ideal, Johnson appears to be one of Chicago’s top options at the goal line.

6-10. Handcuff running backs: Tyler Allgeier (41.6%), Braelon Allen (16.1%), Trey Benson (28.3%), Blake Corum (14.2%) and Ray Davis (12%).

Roster percentages for players listed in this article were sourced from ESPN. For more fantasy coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

These 2 players will be X-factors in Cardinals vs. Seahawks Week 12 battle

Seattle Seahawks WR DK Metcalf and Arizona Cardinals TE Trey McBride both lead their teams in catches and will be X-factors in Week 12.

The NFC West showdown between the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks might be the game of the week in NFL Week 12. Both Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf and Cardinals tight end Trey McBride lead their teams in receptions, but which player will have the bigger game this weekend?

https://www.instagram.com/p/DCp3o7RS1Tj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==


Metcalf’s size poses a severe mismatch for the available defensive backs on the Cardinals’ depth chart so defensive coordinator Nick Rallis will need to conjure up an answer. Metcalf enters Week 12 after recording seven receptions for 70 yards in the 20-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers last week. Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has 2,781 total passing yards so far this season ranking No. 4 in the NFL in such category and leading the league with 278.1 yards per game, and the Cardinals are allowing around 218 pass yards per game.

With Smith’s scramble ability, it’d be unwise for Rallis to sit in zone coverage. Instead, Rallis may need to play more man and blitz packages to rush Smith on throws. This may however lead to 1-on-1 opportunities for Metcalf in the intermediate and short passing game.

McBride’s success will be more contingent upon whether or not the Cardinals can stay away from down and distance. Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald knows exactly how to stir up a pass rush so the Cardinals need to offset this by establishing the run with running back James Conner. If and when the Cardinals can sequence in a few quality running plays, then they will create opportunities for McBride to be a force in the play-action pass game.

Ultimately, both teams are likely to produce quality passing yards if they stick to their balanced attacks. Whichever team can avoid turnovers and sustain offensive drives has the best chance of winning this game. 

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1940]

Fantasy Football: 12 running backs to target on the waiver wire

Audric Estime is the top running back to target on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

It looks like there’s been a changing of the guard in the Denver Broncos‘ backfield.

Broncos coach Sean Payton hinted last week that rookie Audric Estime could be more involved in the second half of the season, and that’s beginning to play out. Estime led the team’s backfield in snaps (26), carries (14) and rushing yards (53) on Sunday. Javonte Williams (one carry and two targets) seems to have been relegated to passing-down duties.

Estime could be Denver’s new RB1 going forward, and he should be considered a top priority on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

Elsewhere on the waiver wire front, wide receiver Cedric Tillman (50%) should be rostered, Dawson Knox (1%) is a streaming tight end option and quarterback Bo Nix (50%) has quickly become fantasy-relevant.

Today, though, we’re focusing on the running back position. We’ve put together a quick list of 12 running backs to consider on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

Fantasy Football Running Back Waiver Wire Targets

1. RB Audric Estime (1%): Estime’s efficiency (3.8 yards per carry) wasn’t great on Sunday, but Payton seems to be a big fan of the rookie, so his workload (14 carries) will likely trend up in the coming weeks.

2. RB Gus Edwards (21%): Edwards (10 carries for 55 yards) split time with J.K. Dobbins (15 carries for 50 yards) on Sunday. Playing in a run-heavy offense, both RBs could be fantasy-relevant going forward.

3. RB Tyler Allgeier (50%): Bijan Robinson remains the star, but Allgeier (11 carries for 59 yards) isn’t going away. Allgeier has standalone flex value and he’s an extremely important handcuff in case Robinson is ever unavailable.

4. RB Trey Benson (16%): James Conner (17 touches for 113 yards) and Benson (12 touches for 87 yards) were both productive on Sunday as the Cardinals cruised to a comfortable win over the Jets. That won’t happen every week, but Benson should be rostered. Note that Arizona has a bye in Week 11.

5. RB Tyjae Spears (42%): Spears (10 touches for 51 yards) wasn’t far behind Tony Pollard (13 touches for 63 yards) in Week 10. He’s worth a look in deeper leagues.

6. RB Braelon Allen (22%): Breece Hall is obviously the RB1, but Allen (seven carries and one target) remains involved. Allen could be a flex option if you’re desperate.

7. RB Cam Akers (16%): Aaron Jones had an injury scare on Sunday before later returning to the game. Akers is worth adding in case Jones does end up missing any time. With Jones missing part of Sunday’s game, Akers got 14 touches for the Vikings in Week 10.

8. RB Ray Davis (19%): He’s just a handcuff behind James Cook at this point, but Davis proved earlier this season that he’s a capable fill-in option if called upon in Buffalo.

9. RB Blake Corum (16%): The Rams have been giving Kyren Williams a heavy workload, and Corum could be an extremely valuable handcuff down the stretch if Williams gets banged up.

10. RB Kenneth Gainwell (2%): Saquon Barkley steps aside when the Eagles have big leads, giving value to Gainwell and Will Shipley (1%) when Philly is a big favorite.

11. RB Keaton Mitchell (5%): The speedy running back returned to action in Week 10 and the Ravens now have a “three-headed monster” at running back. Mitchell is worth stashing, especially in deep leagues.

12. RB Jaylen Wright (5%): De’Von Achane remains the RB1 in Miami, but Wright might be taking the RB2 role away from Raheem Mostert. Wright got the second-most carries (five) on Monday. Mostert was targeted three times as a receiver out of the backfield but got no carries.

Bonus: RB Jaylen Warren (62%) is already rostered in most leagues, but double-check just to make sure he’s not still available in your league. 

Roster percentages for players listed in this article were sourced from ESPN. For more fantasy coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Bears caught cold feet trying to catch Cardinals RB James Conner

Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner continues to thrive under new head coach Jonathan Gannon and OC Drew Petzing.

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner shredded the Chicago Bears defense for 107 rushing yards on just 18 carries yesterday at State Farm Stadium in a 29-9 win.

Thanks to head coach Jonathan Gannon, the Cardinals have a new commitment to running the ball, a commitment that has dynamically impacted their potency on offense.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DB7e7K7SGB4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Through Week 9, Conner ranks No. 6 in the NFL in both carries and rushing yards. His durability has been essential to the team and it’s almost as if Conner becomes more powerful as the game progresses. Conner wasn’t the lone carrier in the Cardinals’ run attack Sunday as rookie running back Trey Benson and Emari Demercado both scored touchdowns and handled a few carries as well.

With Gannon’s run-first offensive identity, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing can rely on Conner to set the tone while he simultaneously accesses film to identify potential coverage voids for the team to attack in play-action.

Ultimately, the Cardinals have found their niche on offense, using physicality and larger personnel groups to create advantages for Conner at the line of scrimmage. Thanks to Conner, the Cardinals now have their eyes set on winning the NFC West midway through 2024.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

Cardinals rookie RB Trey Benson scores 1st NFL TD!

The third-round rookie running back scored a touchdown in the first half against the Bears. Check out the play!

Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Trey Benson saw more action in Week 9 against the Chicago Bears and scored his first NFL touchdown.

Already with an 18-yard reception in the first quarter and then a 17-yard run to start the Cardinals’ fifth drive of the game, Benson scored on a one-yeard run to give Arizona a 14-6 lead.

Here is the play.

 

At that point in the game, Benson had three rushes for 20 yards and a catch for 18.

The third-round pick had only seen 62 offensive snaps in the Cardinals’ first eight games of the season and had 31 rushing attempts for 117 yards, as well as two catches for 12 yards.

It would appear that his role will continue to grow as the season progresses.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

Fantasy Football: 10 running backs to target on the waiver wire

Isaac Guerendo and Tyrone Tracy highlight this week’s list of running backs to target on the fantasy football waiver wire.

The San Francisco 49ers are going into their bye this week, and there’s some hope that star running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) could be set to return in Week 10. Meanwhile, fellow Niners running back Jordan Mason is now nursing a reaggravated shoulder injury.

With McCaffrey’s status still uncertain and Mason injured, Isaac Guerendo is the top running back to target on the fantasy football waiver wire this week. Even if CMC returns after the bye, Guerendo could serve as the RB2 if Mason misses any time.

Elsewhere on the fantasy football waiver wire, Denver Broncos rookie Bo Nix (37%) is suddenly a hot target at quarterback, Cedric Tillman (16%) is turning heads at wide receiver and Taysom Hill (20%) is a popular streaming option at tight end.

Today, though, we’re focusing on the running back position. We’ve put together a quick list of ten running backs to consider on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

Fantasy Football Running Back Waiver Wire Targets

1. RB Isaac Guerendo (4%): He’s on a bye this week, but Guerendo could be a crucial handcuff in the second half of the season and if CMC and Mason are ever sidelined, Guerendo is the next man up.

2. RB Tyrone Tracy (47%): Devin Singletary is back healthy, but Tracy remains the RB1 in New York. He dominated the team’s backfield touches on Monday Night Football with 20 carries for 145 yards and a touchdown. Tracy’s concussion status should be monitored, but he is a priority add off the waiver wire this week.

3. RB Tyler Allgeier (51%): Allgeier is sharing touches with Bijan Robinson. Allgeier got 12 carries on Sunday and Robinson got 13. Robinson (seven targets) is much more involved in the passing game, but Allgeier has standalone value as Atlanta’s RB2.

4. RB Braelon Allen (25%): The Jets are a mess, but Allen (12 carries) remains in the mix alongside Breece Hall (16 carries). He’s a potential flex play or an RB2 candidate in deep leagues. 

5. RB Khalil Herbert (5%): He was a healthy scratch on Sunday, but with the NFL’s trade deadline approaching, Herbert could get a fresh start soon. Herbert is worth stashing in case he lands on a RB-needy team.

6. RB Ray Davis (17%): James Cook is the guy in Buffalo, but Davis is an important handcuff with some standalone value.

7. RB Blake Corum (17%): Corum is another important handcuff behind Kyren Williams.

8. RB Trey Benson (17%): Completing the handcuff trio is Benson, who is an important stash behind James Conner, who has never played a full season.

9. RB Keaton Mitchell (4%): He returned to practice last week and could be on track to return to the active roster last week. Mitchell is worth stashing in deep leagues.

10. RB Kimani Vidal (7%): He’s mostly a handcuff behind J.K. Dobbins right now, but Vidal has made the most of his limited touches with the Chargers.

Bonus RBs: Tank Bigsby (69%), Bucky Irving (69%), Jaylen Warren (62%) and Jonathon Brooks (60%) are already rostered in most leagues, but double-check just to make sure they’re not still available in your league. 

Roster percentages for players listed in this article were sourced from ESPN. For more fantasy coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]