Cardinals Make Running Back a Surprise Release

The Arizona Cardinals survived a surprise absence of their starting quarterback Kyler Murray to top the Los Angeles Rams 27-17 in Week 10, but they must have liked what they saw from one of their top backs. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Cardinals informed running back Eno Benjamin that they intended to release him Monday afternoon.

A roster surprise: Cardinals have informed RB Eno Benjamin - who started for them when James Conner was hurt this season - that they are releasing him, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 14, 2022

Benjamin started three games for the Cardinals when running back James Conner was out with an injury earlier this season. He has been relatively effective in his role for the team this year, averaging 4.3 yards per rush and 5.6 yards per target on his 94 touches.

Benjamin initially joined the Cardinals as their 222nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He didn't see regular-season action for the team until 2021, a year in which he totalled 160 yards from scrimmage for the team.

Benjamin's release comes as major surprise given the size of his role on the team and his bargain contract. His 483 yards from scrimmage ranked second on the team through 10 weeks, and his salary this year was a modest $895,000. He'll likely find a home quickly on a team looking for a versatile back who can contribute on the ground and through the air.