Cardinals activate OLB Josh Sweat from PUP, waive/injured RB Trey Benson in roster shuffle

The Cardinals made a notable pair of roster moves Monday, getting a key defender back and parting with a young back. Arizona activated outside linebacker Josh Sweat from the physically unable to perform list while placing running back Trey Benson on waivers with an injury designation.

Sweat's return is the headline. The veteran edge rusher has been sidelined on PUP, and getting him back on the active roster ahead of cutdown week restores a proven pass-rush piece to a defense that has been managing depth all camp. His activation came as part of a larger batch of moves, with the team pointing to a full story breaking down the rest of the day's transactions.

For Benson, the waive/injured designation is a setback for a back expected to contribute in the rotation. The second-year runner lands on the transaction wire with an injury attached, meaning if he clears waivers he'll revert to injured reserve — ending his path to an early-season role unless he's reached an injury settlement.

The two moves cut opposite directions but serve the same purpose: sharpening the roster in the final stretch before the 53-man deadline. Sweat back strengthens the front; Benson's departure, unfortunate as the injury is, clears a spot and a decision the staff no longer has to make.