Who Should I Start? Trey Benson or Tahj Brooks

Friday, December 5, 11:14 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee) has been sidelined since Week 4 after suffering a knee injury and being placed on Injured Reserve. Benson was a non-participant every day in practice this week, marking five missed sessions in a row, and was officially ruled out for Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. The second-year back hasn't practiced since last Wednesday, and time is running out for him to return this season. The Florida State product was in line for a workhorse role after James Conner (foot) went down for the season in Week 3, but Benson's opportunity has been derailed by a nagging knee injury that required surgery. He played well in the four games he suited up for this year, recording 29 carries for 160 yards while adding 13 receptions (16 targets) for 64 yards. Benson is still a good stash, as he would be the Cardinals' lead back if he returns, but that's still an unknown as of now. Arizona will continue to rely on the combination of Bam Knight and Michael Carter in Week 14.

Monday, November 24, 1:36 PM

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has ruled out rookie running back Tahj Brooks (concussion) for this Thursday's Thanksgiving Day game against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 13, according to Jay Morrison of SI.com. Brooks suffered a concussion in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots, and on a short week, the 23-year-old won't be able to clear the league's concussion protocol. Veteran Samaje Perine (ankle) has missed the last two games due to injury and might not be available this week, either, so the Bengals' backfield could be extremely thin behind Chase Brown this week versus Baltimore. If Perine ends up missing a third straight game, expect Gary Brightwell to operate as Cincy's RB2 behind Brown on Turkey Day. Brooks has only nine rushing attempts in 11 games this year for 28 rushing yards.