GLENDALE – The hits keep on coming for the Arizona Cardinals as Trey Benson will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 season, and Paris Johnson Jr. was ruled out for Sunday’s matchup in Houston against the Texans.
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Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) runs out on to the field before they play the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 25, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The NFL calendar doesn’t pause for developmental timelines, and the Cardinals were reminded of that this week. The decision not to activate rookie running back Trey Benson from IR, paired with the injury sidelining starting right tackle Paris Johnson Jr., leaves an offense that already struggles with rhythm facing its most delicate stretch of the season.
Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) greets teammates Emari Demercado (31) and Jacoby Brissett (7) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
How the loss of Trey Benson and Paris Johnson Jr. affects Arizona:
This isn’t just about talent, it’s about offensive identity. Benson was drafted to be the vertical accelerant behind James Conner in a run game built around angles. Losing Johnson magnifies that pressure as he’s been Arizona’s most reliable edge protector, rarely leaving the field and anchoring the right side against speed rushers. His absence doesn’t just shuffle the offensive line; it shrinks the playbook as deep-developing concepts all become harder to execute when stability up front is compromised.
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) against the Green Bay Packers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For Cardinals fans, this moment is emotionally loaded. Benson’s explosiveness was supposed to be on display after the injury to James Conner, and Johnson represents present reliability for an offensive line that has struggled this season. The Cardinals aren’t just down two key players; they’re navigating how to address what their offense will look like as a whole for the rest of this season.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
