Eno Benjamin makes a big impact in Week 1 NFL preseason

Arizona Cardinals running back Eno Benjamin shined in limited touches on Friday in a 19-16 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. He is battling for opportunities in the backfield, and he has a decent shot at being the third down back in this offense heading into his second season as a pro.

Stats

Benjamin carried the ball just five times, but he went for 50 yards. This was highlighted by a 38-yard rush, and he scored on a six-yard touchdown run. He also returned three kicks for 84 yards with a long of 35.

Analysis

Benjamin is still buried on the depth chart with Chase Edmonds and James Conner as the likely top two options but behind them is a bit of a battle for work between Benjamin, Ito Smith and Jonathan Ward. Ward carried the ball six times for 21 yards, and Smith saw two carries for six yards.

Fantasy implications

It is unlikely Benjamin makes much of a fantasy football impact this season as he was a healthy scratch all of last season and never played in a game. Edmonds and Conner are the only two backs worth being selected in fantasy drafts. This is a huge preseason for Benjamin, and his first game was a fantastic start on his way to seeing the field in a regular season game.