Benjamin (coach's decision) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Commanders.
Analysis: Benjamin was claimed off waivers from the Cardinals on Tuesday but won't make his debut for the Texans this weekend. Dameon Pierce should continue to work as Houston's lead tailback with Rex Burkhead filling the No. 2 role.
Nov 20, 2022 8:42 AM EST
The Texans claimed Benjamin off waivers from the Cardinals on Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Before being effectively phased out of the offense in the Cardinals' Week 10 loss to the Rams, Benjamin enjoyed a solid run as Arizona's lead back from Weeks 6 through 8 while James Conner was sidelined with an injury. In those three games, Benjamin carried 36 times for 151 yards (4.2 average) and a touchdown while adding 11 receptions for 72 yards. After Arizona waiving him Monday, Benjamin unsurprisingly didn't take long to find a new home. In Houston, Benjamin could usurp Rex Burkhead and Dare Ogunbowale as the team's No. 2 running back, though Benjamin likely won't be in line for extensive work so long as standout rookie Dameon Pierce continues to remain healthy and productive in his three-down starting role.
Nov 15, 2022 1:08 PM EST
Arizona waived Benjamin on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Benjamin saw just one offensive snap during Arizona's Week 10 win over the Rams and has been let go a day later. The 2020 seventh-round pick rushed 70 times for 299 yards and two scores while securing 24 of 33 targets for 184 yards across his first nine appearances, including a 92-yard performance in Week 7 with James Connor sidelined due to a rib injury. Benjamin will likely draw plenty of interest while on waivers, but in his absence, Keaontay Ingram will be promoted to the primary backup behind Connor.
Nov 14, 2022 1:05 PM EST
Benjamin carried the ball four times for 12 yards and caught his only target for 15 yards in Sunday's 31-21 loss to the Seahawks.
Analysis: James Conner returned from a three-game absence due to a rib injury and saw 12 touches to Benjamin's five while averaging 6.4 yards a carry, leaving little doubt who the No. 1 option in the Arizona backfield is. Benjamin averaged nearly 75 scrimmage yards a game while Conner was sidelined, however, and he should remain involved in the offense in a Week 10 road matchup against the Rams.
Nov 6, 2022 5:45 PM EST
Benjamin is welcoming back James Conner (ribs) to the Cardinals backfield for Sunday's contest against the Seahawks, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Benjamin has been operating as Arizona's lead runner during Conner's three-game absence, racking up 223 yards from scrimmage and one rushing TD on 47 touches. With Conner available Sunday, though, coach Kliff Kingsbury may resort to a timeshare of sorts between Conner and Benjamin as the former gets up to speed. Still, Benjamin seems destined for a decent number of looks considering how he's produced of late.
Nov 6, 2022 11:46 AM EST
Benjamin rushed nine times for 22 yards and secured four of seven targets for 23 yards in the Cardinals' 34-26 loss to the Vikings on Sunday.
Analysis: Benjamin found very tough sledding on the ground while once again helming the Cardinals backfield in the absence of James Conner (ribs). The modest rushing yardage total was particularly disappointing following his 92-yard tally against the Saints in Week 7, but Benjamin at least was able to provide solid production through the air. Benjamin could return to a backup role in a Week 9 home divisional clash against the Seahawks if Conner is able to return to action without limitations.
Oct 30, 2022 3:35 PM EST
Benjamin is expected to continue to serve as the Cardinals' lead back Sunday in Minnesota with James Conner (ribs) having been ruled out for a third straight game, Donnie Druin of SI.com reports.
Analysis: In his previous two turns as the Cardinals' No. 1 back sans Conner, Benjamin essentially handled a three-down workload, carrying 27 times for 129 yards and a touchdown to go with seven receptions for 49 yards between a loss to Seattle and a win over New Orleans. Along with Conner, the Cardinals were also without Darrel Williams (knee) for both of those contests, but Williams will have a chance to play Week 8 after being deemed a game-time call following Friday's practice. Even if Williams suits up, Benjamin shouldn't cede too much work to him, and rookie Keaontay Ingram doesn't look to be a major threat to Benjamin either.
Oct 28, 2022 1:58 PM EST
Benjamin rushed 12 times for 92 yards and a touchdown while adding four receptions for 21 yards on five targets in the Cardinals' 42-34 win over the Saints on Thursday night.
Analysis: DeAndre Hopkins' stellar season debut and a pair of pick-sixes by the defense stole the headlines for the Cardinals on Thursday night, but Benjamin's contributions were critical as well. The third-year back got loose for a game-long 45-yard rush that made up nearly half his production, and his five-yard touchdown run just past the midway point of the fourth quarter proved especially important after the Saints went on to score a late touchdown and field goal. Benjamin's impressive showing aside, he'll be set to return to a complementary role if James Conner (ribs) is healthy enough to suit up for a Week 8 road showdown against the Vikings a week from Sunday.
Oct 20, 2022 9:10 PM EST
Benjamin will be the Cardinals' No. 1 running back Thursday versus the Saints with both James Conner (ribs) and Darrel Williams (knee) inactive, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: While Benjamin tended to a foot injury this week, following an LP/LP/FP practice regimen Monday through Wednesday, the road has been cleared for him to earn a second straight start in place of Conner. This past Sunday in Seattle, Benjamin handled 87 percent of the offensive snaps on his way to 18 touches for 65 yards from scrimmage. Meanwhile, rookie sixth-rounder Keontay Ingram handled the other 13 percent and earned three carries.
Oct 20, 2022 3:56 PM EST
Benjamin (foot) practiced in full Wednesday and doesn't have a designation for Thursday's game versus the Saints, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Analysis: After opening Week 7 prep with back-to-back capped sessions due to a foot injury, Benjamin has gained clearance to lead Arizona's backfield again. Having said that, James Conner, who didn't practice this week due to a rib injury, was termed a game-time decision for Thursday by coach Kliff Kingsbury, according to Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com. Ultimately, Benjamin's usage likely will come down to whether or not Conner is available, so the Cardinals' inactive list will be of keen interest when it's released about 90 minutes before an 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff. If Conner joins Darrel Williams (knee, out) on the sideline, Benjamin would be in line for a similar workload to this past Sunday at Seattle, when he turned 18 touches into 65 yards from scrimmage on 62 of 71 offensive snaps, while rookie Keaontay Ingram earned the other nine plays on offense en route to three carries.
Oct 19, 2022 1:47 PM EST
Arizona listed Benjamin (foot) as a limited participant on Tuesday's practice report, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Analysis: Benjamin's reps are being capped to begin Week 7 prep after he played 87 percent of the Cardinals' offensive snaps while handling 18 touches (15 carries, three receptions) last week in the team's loss to the Seahawks. Though Benjamin is not yet in the clear for Thursday's game against the Saints, the Cardinals haven't provided an indication that his foot injury is a serious threat to his availability. Meanwhile, James Conner (ribs) and Darrel Williams (knee) remained non-participants at practice Tuesday and look to be trending toward missing a second straight game, seemingly setting Benjamin up for another turn as Arizona's lead back if he can overcome his own foot concern.
Oct 18, 2022 1:34 PM EST
Benjamin was listed as limited on Monday's practice estimate due to a foot injury, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Analysis: With James Conner (ribs) and Darrel Williams (knee) sidelined Sunday at Seattle, Benjamin paced Arizona's backfield to the tune of an 87-percent share of offensive snaps (62 of 71) en route to 18 touches for 65 yards from scrimmage. As for the other healthy RBs, rookie Keaontay Ingram took three carries for seven yards on nine plays on offense, while Corey Clement was used exclusively on special teams. Now, Benjamin is dealing with an injury of his own, though he at least would have practiced if the Cardinals had held a session Monday, which can't be said for DNPs Conner and Williams. The next few days of prep will determine if Benjamin again is in line to be the team's primary back Thursday against the Saints.
Oct 17, 2022 2:23 PM EST
Benjamin rushed the ball 15 times for 37 yards in Sunday's 19-9 loss to the Seahawks. He added three receptions for 28 yards.
Analysis: Benjamin accounted for 15 of the team's 18 carries by running backs, though Kyler Murray also tallied 10 rushing attempts. Benjamin was bottled up on the ground and his longest gain went for only six yards. He salvaged his day with his work as a receiver and managed to rack up 65 total yards. It remains to be seen whether James Conner (ribs) or Darrel Williams (knee) will be able to return in Week 7, but the Cardinals play Thursday which could lead to Benjamin getting another turn as the team's lead back.
Oct 16, 2022 8:34 PM EST
Benjamin is expected to serve as the Cardinals' lead back Sunday against the Seahawks with head coach Kliff Kingsbury having ruled out both James Conner (ribs) and Darrel Williams (knee) for the Week 6 contest, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.
Analysis: Meanwhile, rookie sixth-round pick Keaontay Ingram is expected to be active for the first time this season as Benjamin's backup, while Kingsbury confirmed that veteran Corey Clement will be promoted from the practice squad to provide additional depth in the backfield. Kingsbury hasn't tipped his hand regarding how the workload distribution among the three backs will shake out, but the prevailing expectation is that Benjamin will step into Conner's usual three-down role, just as he did when Conner exited last Sunday's win over the Eagles. In his most extensive NFL action to date Week 5, Benjamin played 54 percent of the offensive snaps -- including 94 percent in the second half -- and finished with 53 yards and a touchdown on 11 touches (eight carries, three receptions on four targets). With Kingsbury indicating that Conner isn't a sure bet to make it back for a Thursday night game Week 7 against the Saints, Benjamin could be in store for a multi-game run as the Cardinals' top back.
Oct 14, 2022 1:15 PM EST
Benjamin ran for 25 yards and one touchdown on eight carries against Philadelphia on Sunday while catching three passes for 28 yards on four targets.
Analysis: Benjamin rose to the occasion after James Conner (ribs) and Darrel Williams (knee) left with injuries, and it marks another solid showing by the emerging third-year back. If either of Conner or Williams can't play in Week 6 then it could be a breakout setup for Benjamin, as the Cardinals face off against a Seattle defense that seemingly can't stop anyone.
Oct 9, 2022 5:38 PM EST
Benjamin notched five carries for 36 yards and hauled in his only target for nine yards during Sunday's 26-16 win in Carolina.
Analysis: While Benjamin finished third in offensive snaps (11 of 76) behind James Conner (50) and Darrel Williams (16), he earned the second-most touches among the trio (Conner had 18, and Williams had four). Benjamin also returned two kickoffs for 43 yards and kicked off in place of Matt Prater after the Cardinals' last three scores, one of which he logged a tackle. Not only does Benjamin appear to be the 2A option out of the backfield, he also seems to be the team's emergency kickoff specialist.
Oct 4, 2022 9:06 PM EST
Benjamin tallied five carries for 16 yards and two catches (on four targets) for seven yards during Sunday's 20-12 defeat to the Rams.
Analysis: After James Conner injured his ankle Week 2, there was a question who among Benjamin and Darrel Williams would benefit if Conner was limited or out Week 3. Conner ended up playing and logged a typical 60 percent of the snaps on offense on his way to 16 touches for 57 yards. Meanwhile, Benjamin rang in second in offensive snap share (27 percent) and touches in the Cardinals backfield, and Williams was a distant third in both categories (17 percent, one touch). As a result, Benjamin appears safe as the No. 2 RB in Arizona as long as Conner is healthy, considering he's averaging 8.3 touches per game this season.
Sep 27, 2022 7:14 PM EST
Benjamin ran for 31 yards on eight carries against Las Vegas on Sunday, adding three catches for 20 yards on four targets.
Analysis: Benjamin saw his playing time increase following the ankle injury to starter James Conner. It's not clear how much time Conner might miss, but if he does miss time then some combination of Benjamin and Darrel Williams (eight carries for 59 yards and one touchdown Sunday) should pick up the slack at running back for Arizona.
Sep 18, 2022 5:31 PM EST
Benjamin totaled four carries for 28 yards and reeled in three of four targets for 33 yards during Sunday's 44-21 defeat to the Chiefs.
Analysis: Like last season, James Conner led the Cardinals backfield with 15 touches and 47 (of 65) offensive snaps, but his primary backup changed from Chase Edmonds to Benjamin. Among the team's reserve running backs, Benjamin was the only one to get a play on offense (22), while Darrel Williams (15) and Jonathan Ward (14) were contained to special-teams snaps. Considering the usage, Benjamin is kicking off the current campaign as the No. 2 RB in Arizona, which could yield fruit if Conner misses any time.
Sep 13, 2022 8:29 PM EST
Benjamin tallied three carries for nine yards in Saturday's 26-23 preseason loss to the Titans. He added two receptions for 25 yards.
Analysis: Benjamin started each of Arizona's three preseason games as James Conner didn't see any action. However, Benjamin may also have an upper hand over Darrel Williams and Keaontay Ingram for the backup role, with both entering the game after him Saturday. Even so, Benjamin isn't likely to command a huge role in the offense during the regular season, though he could get some work as a pass catcher.
Aug 27, 2022 9:27 PM EST
News powered by
Copyright 2022 Fantasy Football Calculator | Image Source: Icon Sportswire. Not affiliated with the National Football League (NFL).
Stats powered by FantasyData.com. Email marketing by StrikeStack.
