Trey Benson's chances of returning to the Arizona Cardinals' lineup in Week 12 just received a boost from head coach Jonathan Gannon.
While Gannon would not confirm Benson will return this week, he noted that the second-year back has "looked good" in practice.
Benson was designated to return from injured reserve earlier in the week and turned in two limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday.
The final hurdle will likely be practicing in full on Friday. Arizona will release its final injury report later in the day.
Benson, who took over for James Conner upon his season-ending injury, hasn't appeared in a game since Week 4, when he suffered a knee injury that required arthroscopic knee surgery.
The Cardinals have deployed three different backs in that span, with Bam Knight, Michael Carter and Emari Demercado all getting looks.
Knight has operated as the clear lead back for multiple weeks now, though.
Benson's return would be great timing, as the Cardinals are going to be without Demercado, who has already been ruled out with an ankle injury.
Taken with a third-round pick in 2024, Benson hasn't had much of a chance to show he can be the future at the position in Arizona, so that's why this stretch run of the season is so important for him.
Once he returns from injury, he should take lead duties and will have ample opportunity to cement himself atop the depth chart for 2026.
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