Arizona Cardinals shock their fans by releasing Eno Benjamin
By Jim Koch
The Arizona Cardinals braintrust made a shocking move on Monday when they handed running back Eno Benjamin his walking papers.
Running back Eno Benjamin started three games for the Arizona Cardinals last month when starter James Conner was sidelined. On Monday, the club shocked their fanbase when they released the former Arizona State Sun Devil.
This past Sunday, the 23-year-old Benjamin was on the field for just one offensive snap during the Cardinals’ 27-17 triumph over the Los Angeles Rams. The bulk of the work went to Conner, the sixth-year pro who now appears to be completely recovered from the rib injury that kept him out of action for three weeks in October.
Up until this past weekend, Benjamin had transformed himself into a significant part of the Cards offense. In his 10 appearances this season, the 5 foot 9, 207 pounder rushed for 299 yards and two touchdowns, and also amassed another 184 yards on 24 receptions.
Eno Benjamin may have complained to Arizona Cardinals about his usage
At the moment, no reason has been given for Benjamin’s release. There is a report circulating that the former seventh-round pick may have complained about his lack of playing time versus the Rams. Even if that’s true, would that be a good enough reason to send Benjamin packing?
Conner wasn’t the only Arizona ball-carrier who logged more snaps than Benjamin during the Week 10 victory. Rookie Keaontay Ingram, a sixth-round draft choice this past April, outsnapped Benjamin by a 5-1 clip.
Benjamin’s departure leaves the Cardinals with just two healthy backs at the present time. Both Darrel Williams (hip) and Jonathan Ward (hamstring) are occupying spots on the club’s injured-reserve list.
There’s a very good possibility that Benjamin will claimed off of the waiver wire. According to Spotrac.com, the youngster’s base salary for the current campaign was an extremely team-friendly $497,224.
Related Story. Conner not living up to contract. light
The release of Benjamin was something that no one saw coming. The Cards braintrust must have their reasons, but this particular move makes no sense at all.
(Statistics provided by Pro Football Reference)
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