Roster Moves
PHOENIX — The Arizona Cardinals activated defensive end Josh Sweat from the physically unable to perform list on Monday, a move that had been anticipated for days. The activation came as part of a flurry of roster moves that also saw running back Trey Benson waived with an injury designation, according to Sports Illustrated.
Sweat had been placed on the PUP list at the start of training camp due to a knee injury. The defensive end's season ended in Week 4 of the 2025 season because of that same knee, and he had been working his way back since. The activation clears him to practice and, ultimately, to play, though the Cardinals have not yet announced a timeline for his return to game action.
Sweat, who signed a four-year, $76.4 million contract with the Cardinals in March 2025, recorded 12 sacks in the 2025 season. He was a key part of the team's pass rush, and his return is a significant boost for a defense that struggled in 2025.
Benson's Departure
Benson, a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft out of Florida State, had been sidelined for most of the 2025 season after suffering a meniscus injury in Week 4. He initially opened his practice window late in the season after recovering from knee surgery, but was ultimately placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Entering training camp, Benson was expected to return to full health and compete for a roster spot. He participated in individual drills at first, but when he was upgraded to team activities, his knee flared up, and he was unable to continue. Benson was not spotted practicing with the Cardinals toward the end of his tenure, and the team ultimately decided to waive him with an injury designation.
Over his two seasons with the Cardinals, Benson rushed for 451 yards and a touchdown on 92 carries. His time in Arizona was marked by injury, and the team's decision to move on reflects the harsh reality of a roster that needed consistency in the backfield.
Emergence of Bam Knight
The Cardinals' decision to waive Benson was influenced by the emergence of running back Bam Knight during training camp and the preseason. Knight's strong performance, combined with his consistent availability, made him a leading candidate for a roster spot. Sports Illustrated reported that the Cardinals were debating how many running backs to keep on the final roster, and if that number is four, Knight has secured the final spot.
Knight's availability and contributions on special teams were key factors, according to the report. Benson, who had not participated in practice recently, could not match Knight's readiness, and the team opted to move on.
Coaching and Team Context
The roster moves come under a new coaching regime. Jonathan Gannon was fired as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, following a 2025 season that ended with a 3-14 record. The team is in the midst of a rebuild, and the decisions made on Monday are part of a broader effort to reshape the roster.
The Cardinals will now look to integrate Sweat back into the defense, while the running back room will rely on Knight and others to carry the load. Benson, meanwhile, will now go through the waiver process and could land with another team once he clears.
As the season approaches, the Cardinals' moves signal a clear direction: they are prioritizing health and performance, and are willing to make tough decisions to build a competitive roster.