The Green Bay Packers have an ongoing depth chart battle at the running back position, as the coaching staff looks to shore up the position behind Josh Jacobs. MarShawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong Jr., Jaden Nixon and Damien Martinez have each carved out touches during the Packers’ first two preseason games, though the unit has endured its share of inconsistent performances during NFL training camp.
The quartet behind Jacobs each notched valuable reps in his absence prior to his return to the practice field on Monday afternoon, though he’s set to ramp up efforts coming into the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. This will force greater conversation regarding the RB2 spot and lead the team to make a notable signing before the start of the season.
On Monday, the Arizona Cardinals, who the Packers will take on in Week 3 of the preseason, parted ways with former third-round pick Trey Benson following two injury-riddled seasons with the team. The former Florida State star cleared waivers and returned to the team’s Injured Reserve on Tuesday, but there’s still a path for Green Bay to bring in the 24-year-old.
Benson is rehabbing a torn meniscus that ended his 2025 season in Week 4, and he was placed on IR before final roster cuts. This puts an end to his 2026 season with the Cardinals, though the two sides can determine an agreement if he returns to full health, allowing him to land on the open market.
Trey Benson Could Balance Packers’ RB Room With Valuable Depth In 2026
Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
This hypothetical union may come across as improbable, but it’s far from impossible. The Packers were heavily linked to Benson during the 2024 NFL Draft process and now face a potential production problem behind Jacobs this season.
As previously mentioned, the running back depth chart has yet to be cemented, and though Benson likely won’t be ready for the first few games of the season, his fit in Green Bay’s offense could provide a sense of optimism. He struggled in an inconsistent role over his first two seasons with the Cardinals, but could find his way into a significant role in the Packers’ backfield.
His upside as a pass-catcher complements Jacobs’ physical running style, while his quick burst and breakaway speed present a reason for optimism as a prospect. I know his injury concerns will remind fans of the current situation with Lloyd, who has dealt with his share of nagging injuries over the past two seasons, but Benson could provide a higher ceiling in such a role in the run game.
