Trey Benson

The same surgically repaired left knee that ended his 2025 season after a Week 4 meniscus surgery flared up again in 2026 camp, leading Arizona to waive him with an injury designation in late August 2026; he reverted to injured reserve for the full season after clearing waivers unclaimed by every other team.

Even at full health, Benson entered 2026 buried behind rookie Jeremiyah Love, free-agent addition Tyler Allgeier, and incumbent James Conner, leaving him a fringe RB4/5 in Arizona's backfield pecking order.

No team placed a waiver claim on Benson despite the injury designation, signaling limited league-wide confidence in his near-term health or role.

If his knee clears, an injury settlement could free Benson to sign with a team offering a cleaner path to touches for 2027 rather than competing for scraps in Arizona's crowded room.

Third-round draft capital and pre-injury flashes as an early-down/receiving option still leave a fringe roster-stash case if he returns to full health.

His closest statistical comp, James Cook, broke out for a strong year-2 lead role, illustrating the archetype's ceiling if Benson's knee ever allows a real opportunity.