Zonovan

Knight

When the deadline to activate Benson from his 21-day window was mentioned to Gannon, he noted “that doesn’t mean you can’t activate him and then he could possibly be down.” It doesn’t sound like Benson is particularly close to returning at this point. Zonovan Knight will continue to fill in as the lead back in the meantime for the Cardinals.

With Trey Benson (knee) still on the shelf, Knight got another week as the Cardinals’ lead back, out-touching Michael Carter 14-10. Although Carter commanded more targets, it was Knight who got the receiving score when Jacoby Brissett hit him in stride for a 15-yarder in the waning moments of the third quarter. Knight’s best overall game of the season comes just in time for a rough Week 14 matchup with the Rams, as well as the potential, if not likely, return of Benson. Even with four teams on bye for Week 14, those circumstances mean Knight should max out as a low-floor FLEX, and he might not even be playable if Benson indeed returns.

Knight seems highly banged up, but with Trey Benson (knee) still not ready to return, he will once again form an unsatisfying committee with Michael Carter. With Marvin Harrison Jr. back and the Cardinals already amongst the pass-heaviest teams in the league, Knight is not a particularly appealing FLEX option as he does in search of touchdowns.

Knight got in three limited sessions this week before being listed as questionable. Trey Benson was ruled out on Friday, leaving Knight and Michael Carter to split the backfield. Knight will see the early-down work this week with Carter operating as the primary back on passing plays. Knight is a low-end RB3 for Week 13 while Carter has some FLEX appeal in full PPR leagues.

He did get in three limited sessions, but the new knee injury appears to at least have him more down than he was last week when the Cardinals cleared Knight off the injury report on Friday. If Knight plays he’ll be a worthwhile FLEX against the Buccaneers as he projects to be the early-down back. If Knight sits, Michael Carter will suddenly find himself in the circle of trust again.

Benson was ruled out before the team took the field for Friday’s practice. The second-year back was a limited participant to start the week, but listed as a DNP on Thursday. He appeared to be trending toward a return after being limited in every practice ahead of Week 12’s game, so it’s possible we’re looking at a setback here. This remains a situation to monitor, but for now, we can expect the duo of Bam Knight and Michael Carter to lead the Cards’ backfield against the Buccaneers. In addition to Benson the Cardinals also ruled out OG Will Hernandez (hip/knee) and DT Walter Nolen (knee) for Week 13.

Knight played through an ankle injury last week, but he is no longer listed with the issue on the team’s injury report. Late in last week’s game against the Jaguars, Knight remained down after a play, grabbing at his right knee before scooting off the field to meet with trainers. The fact that he is practicing in a limited capacity is a great sign for his short-term health.

Carter got involved on the Cardinals’ third drive, racking up 22 yards on two runs and one reception. He later stole a few two-minute drill snaps from RB Bam Knight in the two-minute drill, but he failed to return a usable stat line. Knight seemingly suffered some sort of right leg injury in overtime, perhaps aggravating his preexisting ankle injury. Depending on RB Trey Benson’s (knee) status next week, Carter could see more opportunities against the Buccaneers.

Knight ran very inefficiently, but his touchdown salvaged an otherwise forgettable performance. The Jaguars’ defensive front was a problem. It regularly disrupted the Cardinals’ passing game with quick penetration and readily bottled up Knight on his small workload. Late in the overtime loss, Knight remained down after the play, grabbing at his right knee. After a few moments, Knight scooted his way off the field where he met with the medical staff. They eventually helped him up, and he could be seen hopping away, one-legged, for further examination. The team has not released a status update on the matter. He notably entered the game with an ankle injury, and it is possible he was attempting to stabilize the lower leg by grabbing his knee with both hands. Stay tuned.

With RBs Trey Benson (knee) and Emari Demercado (ankle) both out, Knight should handle a sizable workload. Fellow backup RB Michael Carter will rotate in behind him. Knight is a replacement-level player but volume is king in fantasy football. Knight is an RB3/FLEX here with what should be a bankable workload.