Second-year running back steps into bell-cow role after Conner injury
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — In fantasy football, opportunity drives production. With Arizona running back James Conner sidelined for the season after an ankle injury in Week 3, the Cardinals’ offense has turned to Trey Benson.
The second-year back is no longer just a depth option. He’s stepping into a bell-cow role in an offense built on the run game. That kind of workload is rare, and in fantasy leagues it can turn a mid-round stash into a league winner.
Conner’s Exit Shifts the Backfield
Conner had been the anchor of Arizona’s rushing attack, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2023 and 2024. His physical style and reliability made him the centerpiece of the ground game. Losing him this early leaves a void the Cardinals can’t fill by committee.
Benson, drafted in the third round in 2024, is the clear replacement. Arizona invested real capital in him, and he showed flashes of explosiveness as a rookie. When Conner exited against San Francisco, Benson carried 10 times for 42 yards and added receptions, proving he could shoulder more work immediately.
Cardinals’ System Built for the Run
Head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing have stressed balance, but the Cardinals’ identity leans run-first. Through three weeks, Arizona logged 77 rushing attempts for 334 yards, ranking in the middle of the league in both volume and efficiency.
Quarterback Kyler Murray said the offense won’t abandon that approach. “We got to continue to run the ball,” he told reporters after Conner’s injury. That commitment benefits Benson, who steps into an established scheme rather than a rebuilt game plan.
Backup Emari Demercado and practice-squad back Michael Carter remain in the mix, but their roles are limited. Demercado is likely to handle passing downs, yet Benson’s size-speed combination gives him every-down potential.
Volume and Efficiency Drive Fantasy Upside
The recipe for a fantasy breakout comes from two ingredients: touches and efficiency. Benson has a chance to check both boxes.
Volume: Without Conner, Benson projects to see 15 to 20 touches per game. Over a 17-game slate, that workload could push him past 250 touches, the type of bell-cow usage reserved for the league’s elite backs.
Efficiency: At 6 feet and 220 pounds, Benson brings power between the tackles. His 4.39-second 40-yard dash before the draft highlighted his breakaway speed. He showed that burst with a 29-yard run in Week 3, a sign he can turn volume into big plays.
Receiving Skills: While Demercado will spell him in passing situations, Benson has already flashed as a receiver. His ability to stay on the field in multiple situations protects his fantasy floor, even in games where Arizona trails.
Risks Remain
No projection is without risk. Benson missed time late in his rookie year with an ankle issue, raising durability questions. The Cardinals’ offensive line has been inconsistent, and game flow could tilt toward Murray’s arm if Arizona falls behind often.
Still, Benson’s draft pedigree and the coaching staff’s confidence make him the focal point until proven otherwise. Fantasy football is about betting on opportunity, and Benson’s path is clearer than most.
A League-Winner Profile
Here’s why Benson fits the mold of a fantasy league winner:
- Workload: With Conner sidelined, Benson should see one of the heaviest workloads of any sophomore back in the league.
- Dual Threat: His rushing and receiving ability keep him relevant in every game script.
- System Support: The Cardinals will not abandon the run game. They’ll lean on Benson.
- Limited Competition: Demercado and Carter are depth options, not threats to Benson’s role.
The Bottom Line
Conner’s injury is a blow for Arizona and for fantasy managers who drafted him. But opportunity in the NFL shifts quickly, and Benson is now in position to capitalize.
He is a second-year back in a run-first offense with a coaching staff ready to give him the ball. In fantasy leagues, that combination often decides championships.
Managers looking for the next breakout should not hesitate. Trey Benson has the workload, the skill set and the system to transform into a league winner in 2025.
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