🚨Trey Benson on IR; Bucky Irving in a Walking Boot ... Who to Pick Up? (10/01 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Summary

Fantasy Football Today — Episode Summary

🚨Trey Benson on IR; Bucky Irving in a Walking Boot ... Who to Pick Up? (10/01 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Date: October 1, 2025
Hosts: Adam Aizer, Heath Cummings, Dave Richard

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Overview

This bonus episode reacts to breaking injury news impacting key fantasy football backfields, focusing on Trey Benson (Arizona Cardinals) being placed on IR (out 4–6 weeks) and Bucky Irving (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) being in a walking boot (timeline unclear). The team analyzes which RBs are priority waiver adds, how to allocate Free Agent Budget (FAB), and how the backfield responsibilities might shake out for both teams. The discussion is a practical, strategy-focused run-through designed to help fantasy managers navigate a critical waiver week.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

Benson’s Absence: Cardinals RB Waiver Strategy

Main Candidates: Michael Carter, Amari Demercado
Other RBs Mentioned: Rashad White, Sean Tucker

1. Ranking the Main Waiver Options (02:28, 03:49)

• Rashad White (Tampa Bay):
  • Consensus top option, though usually rostered already.
• Arizona RBs (Carter vs. Demercado):
  • Heath (02:51): "I would prioritize Rashad White ... Probably right now. I would lean D. Mercado in full PPR leagues."
  • Dave (03:49): "Rashad White belongs at the top ... I would lean toward Carter over D. Mercado."
• Sean Tucker:
  • Both hosts less enthusiastic unless Bucky Irving’s injury drags out.

2. How Cardinals RB Usage Might Shake Out (04:43–07:05)

• Dave (04:43): Goes deep on previous seasons and games, arguing Carter is most likely to get “running downs” work, Demercado passing downs.

  • Suggests a split similar to previous Connor/Benson situations.
  • Highlights how Demercado has rarely flourished as a feature back despite opportunities.
  • Key Stat (06:54): "The Titans run defense is ... bottom five in defensive total rush EPA ... bottom three in explosive rush rate allowed."
  • Takeaway: Carter is the likely early-down back, but volume and fantasy output could be limited by Arizona's offensive struggles overall.

• Heath counters (07:05, 08:12): Arizona’s offense is so bad, even a “starting” RB could have trouble producing—James Conner had poor games against weak defenses. Demercado might get more work in two-minute drills or if Arizona is trailing.

3. How Much FAB to Spend? (08:54–13:00)

• Adam (08:59): Willing to spend aggressively—"I'm in the 20ish% range [of FAB] for Carter."
• Heath (09:32, 12:50): Far less committed—"I'm not probably giving more than $3 for Sean Tucker ... double digits could make sense if you have a need at running back."
• Adam (13:00): Acknowledges this could easily be a waste—no guarantee Carter or Demercado produces real RB2 value.
• Dave (10:47): Reminds group, "Michael Carter can catch"—not just a pure runner.

4. Arizona RB Usage Trends (10:47, 11:12)

• 6 targets to RBs on 3rd down for Arizona all year (vs. 10 on 1st down, 12 on 2nd; D. Mercado not guaranteed big PPR upside).
• Heath (11:52): Skeptical that Carter will ever get enough volume/efficiency for serious impact.
• Realistic expectation for a "Benson/Connor" type output: about 12 PPR points/game in best case matchups.

5. Bucky Irving Injury: What to Expect from Sean Tucker? (13:58–14:33)

• No definitive timeline—could be week-to-week or day-to-day.
• Heath (13:58): "Could signal something worse" … "could be with, with Sean Tucker that we're paying for one week as the number two running back in this offense."
• Dave (14:33): Rashad White remains a lock to play, especially in passing situations, as Tampa’s line is bad and pass protection is critical.
• Short version: Only minimal upside for Tucker unless Irving is out several games.

6. Critical Waiver Timing Advice (15:15)

• Heath (15:15): "We've still got 12 hours before a lot of fab is going to run ... keep refreshing for news from beat writers ... could be the most valuable thing we get in the next eight hours."
• Don’t submit waiver bids too early—injury reports or insider tips could swing the situation.

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Dave (04:43): “If they had had Carter in those 2023 games ... he would have played ahead of Demercado. Carter, I’m guessing, is going to be their running downs guy. Demercado, their passing downs back.”
• Heath (07:56): “The Arizona rush offense is also terrible ... one rushing touchdown on the season.”
• Adam (09:40): "I'm gonna be aggressive here. I—I'm finding that almost all of the handcuffs in my leagues are rostered. ... I don't know how many opportunities we're going to get throughout the year to pick up starting running backs. So that's why I'm trying to get Carter here."
• Heath (13:58): “Todd Bowles said day to day on Bucky Irving. Other reports have been week to week. He’s using crutches and in a walking boot, which I think is smart if you’re trying to recover from a foot injury, but could signal something worse.”
• Heath (15:15): "Keep refreshing for news from beat writers ... that speculation in Arizona ... might be the most valuable thing we get in the next eight hours."

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:28 — Initial RB rankings and Bucky Irving situation
• 03:49 — Dave's case for Carter over Demercado
• 04:43–07:05 — Deep dive: Arizona’s past RB usage and context
• 08:54 — FAB spending strategy discussion
• 10:47–11:12 — Stats on RB targets by down for Arizona
• 11:52 — Will Carter or Demercado even be useful for fantasy?
• 13:58–14:33 — Bucky Irving’s injury update and what it means for Tucker/White
• 15:15 — Advice: Check for late-breaking news before waivers lock

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Takeaways: Who Should You Add? How Much Should You Spend?

• Rashad White (if available): Top add by far, but nearly always rostered.
• Arizona RBs:
  • Michael Carter is a slight favorite for early downs, Demercado for passing downs, but neither has massive upside—Arizona is not producing on the ground.
  • Full PPR: Consider Demercado more.
• Sean Tucker: Only if Irving is confirmed out for multiple weeks.
• FAB strategy:
  • Adam: >20%, especially desperate RB teams.
  • Heath: Low double digits unless desperate.
  • Dave: Cautious; don’t spend big unless confirmed starter in decent offense.
• Monitor news up to waiver run: Arizona beat reporters may leak info on how the split will look.

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Final Advice and Tone

This episode is brisk, data-driven, and practical, emphasizing the uncertain and fluid nature of fantasy RB pickups in injury situations. The tone is casual, competitive, and sometimes self-deprecating—these analysts are trying to win leagues themselves, and their candor about risk vs. reward will resonate with listeners.

"I dropped Pacheco for Michael Carter in a league." —Adam (15:52)
"That could very easily be a waste." —Dave (12:57)

*Don’t lock in your waiver claims too early, and be ready to pivot as insider reports break in the hours before your league’s FAB runs!

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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[C]

Day or week to week.

[B]

There you go. So that's one wonderful. If you look at the running backs, let's say there are four of them. Let's say there's Michael Carter and Amari D. Mercado for Arizona, Rashad White and Trey and Michael Carter. So sorry, I'm just getting lost here. Rashad White and Sean Tucker for Tampa Bay Heath. How would you rank them in terms.

[C]

Of your priorities as of this moment? And the Bucky Irving situation seems extremely fluid. So we could be one tweet from feeling different. As of this moment, I would prioritize Rashad White and as of this moment, I would put Shawn Tucker fourth. I'm hoping that Dave's going to say something super sharp that gives me a stronger lean on Michael Carter versus Amari D. Mercado. We basically had two games in 2023 before Michael Carter was on the team where Amari D. Mercado was used as a feature back. We had two games in 2024 when James Connor, Trey Benson and Amari D. Mercado were all hurt where Michael Carter was used as a feature back. Great matchup. Not great running backs. Probably right now. I would lean D. Mercado in full PPR leagues.

[B]

Okay, Dave, same question to you. How would you rank the four?

[D]

Rashad White belongs at the top. Let's get some things out there on the Cardinals running backs before we commit to Michael Carter being second on the list. Because I, I listen. We don't know exactly how they feel about Carter and D. Mercado in Arizona, but the track record of what they've done with these running backs is pretty obvious. And, and it makes me lean toward Carter over D. Mercado. If I may have a couple of minutes to have the floor professor minutes.

[B]

Wow. Okay, go ahead.

[C]

Do we have talk longer than these guys have played the last three years?

[D]

Yeah, I might. We already have seen this year that the Cardinals like to use.

[B]

Just before you do this, real quick, can you tell me Sean Tucker or a Cardinals running back?

[D]

I think I'm going to end up taking a Cardinals running back.

[B]

Okay, go for it.

[D]

So I, I agree with Heath's Tampa sandwich. We've already seen this year. Arizona likes to use two running backs. Lack of a better term. Running downs. Guy passing down sky, Week 1. I've got the same problem you've got. Adam Week 1, James Connor 64 snapshare. Trey Benson 34. Benson dominated on third down, Week 4, Benson 55 of the snaps. D. Mercado played 39 dominate on third downs. Even had some snaps inside the 10. Michael Carter barely played in the game. Okay, so we know that both of these guys are going to play. It's a matter of who gets that first crack and who is that running downs guy who D. Mercado over the last two seasons has barely been that guy for Arizona. There was a game. I got to bring this up. Give me one second. There was a game in 2023, Connor got hurt early. D. Mercado had 44 snaps. He ended up scoring in that game. It was a modest fantasy game, but the very next week his playing time went down and he only had 33 snaps to Keonta Ingrams 26 snaps. Both of them stunk. The very next week Dmercado played more because I think Ingram got hurt. They had Damian Williams as their running back. It was a disaster. Nobody did well in that game. I think Dmercado might have had 10 PPR points. And then the same thing happened the week after that. Ingram came back. DeMarcado led the way. He didn't do very well. He had 21 touches. He didn't even have 80 total yards. Didn't score a touchdown without Dmercado in Week 17 and 18. I think he talked about this. Connor got hurt early. Carter played well. Week 18, there was no Connor, there was no Dmercado. And Michael Carter played well. So if they had had Carter in those 20, 23 games, I he would have played ahead of D. Mercado. All this is just a roundabout way of saying that Carter, I'm guessing is going to be their running downs guy. And D. Mercado, who's been there passing downs guy before and really has never been given the chance to be a feature back, is going to be their passing downs back. And that's how they'll split it up against Tennessee. And the only reason why it's important is because this Titans run defense is is absolutely terrible. Their bottom five in defensive total rush, EPA bottom three in explosive rush rate allowed. They've allowed five yards per carry. They've allowed six touchdowns to running backs in four games.

[C]

The only thing I will count.

[D]

We kind of want to nail this one. I would say I would lean toward Carter over D. Mercado.

[C]

The only thing I would say is the Arizona rush offense is also terrible. They played the Saints in Week 1 and James Carter ran 12 times for 39 yards. They played the Panthers, the poster boy for bad run defense in week two, James Connor ran 11 times for 34 yards. They have one rushing touchdown on the season. They have. And I think that's the thing that you kind of have to speculate with these moving parts is how efficient do you think Michael Carter will be? Because I think he will likely handle some of the first and second down rush attempts. The less efficient he is, the more long third downs they have, the more opportunities Mr. 80 Mercado has. And the other thing is, is there a two minute drill at the end of the first half? Is there a two minute drill at the End of the second half? Because that will be all D. Markado.

[B]

Here's how. Yeah, you could talk about the Tennessee matchup, but I think most people should be approaching this from a four to six weeks perspective. Not just you don't have to pick these guys up and start them, but obviously we have bye weeks for the next two months. So let's, you know.

[C]

So yeah, looking at that, like against the Colts at Indianapolis, I would expect to rank demarcado higher. Against the packers, who they can't run on, I would expect to rank D. Mercado higher.

[B]

That's fair. Let me, let me just. The thing is that the, the guy who's not necessarily in on the passing downs still gets a lot of targets. That's why I'm kind of into this backfield for fantasy purposes. Not, not so much because I don't really believe in. I was. That's why I was into Benson. Right. I mean, I felt like he was gonna catch his passes. Benson's already got 13 catches in four games. He's only been a lead back once, one and a half times.

[C]

So they're averaging 16 and a half rush attempts for running backs this year. Seven targets per game for the running backs.

[D]

How many of the targets per game have come on third down?

[C]

I don't have that number.

[B]

All right, all right. So let me just tell you how I approached and you guys can tell me what you think. Rashad White's easy, number one, but he's rostered in all my leagues, so didn't have a chance to get him. I still have a few leagues that haven't run fab yet. I've changed my fab bits. Originally it was Sean tucker, you know, $3 or so. Michael Carter, $3 or so. I've boosted them both up big. I don't necessarily want to tell you guys because I'm in all these leagues with you.

[C]

I'm not probably giving more than $3 for Sean Tucker.

[B]

So I am. So I am going kind of in the slayton area for both of these guys.

[D]

That's double digits.

[B]

That's 20ish. I'll just say, oh, wow. Yeah, I'm gonna be aggressive here. I. I'm finding that almost all of the handcuffs in my leagues are rostered.

[C]

So that's not gonna be the case as much after this week.

[B]

You could just because of buys and.

[C]

Stuff or people like. I saw Calvin Ridley get dropped this morning. I saw. Yeah, but who are you guys are getting dropped?

[B]

Are you seeing Tyler Algier get dropped? Are you saying. I'm saying I don't know how many opportunities we're going to get throughout the year to pick up starting running backs. So that's why I'm. I'm trying to get Carter here. I originally had Tucker for more than Carter and if you told me that Irving and Benson had the same timetable, I would go with Tucker over Carter. But I don't know that. And I do know we've got a four to six week window here for the Cardinals running back. I'm betting on Carter. I am realizing this could be a stupid waste of money, but I'm going to take a shot on it here because I think he'll get three or four catches. They'll average about three catches a game and get most of the work. I really don't think they're moving D. Mercado off of the third down roll.

[D]

I agree. Heath, I've got your numbers for you. And this is to Adam's point six targets to running backs on third down in Arizona the entire year. 10 on first down, 12 on second down. And Michael Carter can catch. I remember his problem.

[C]

They've had a lot more first and second downs than third down. So that makes sense.

[D]

Well, obviously. Right. But even 10 on first down, 12 on second down and then third down, just six seemed a little off. But yeah, I.

[C]

Maybe, maybe Michael Carter is going to play the highest snap share an Arizona running back has this year. I am pretty skeptical of that.

[B]

Well, okay. Right. So let's say he just does the same thing that Benson and Connor have done. You are talking about. Let's take away week three when Connor got hurt. Benson scored 10.4 PPR fantasy points in week four. That's not great. But he only had eight carries because they were losing. Connor scored 14.4 and 12.2. So I'll just throw out 12 PPR fantasy points per game. That's the average essentially of those three games. Can we get that from Carter? Do you expect that? And if you got 12, how much would that be worth to you in Fab?

[C]

I think 12 this week is possible because the matchup's so bad. I don't think Michael, like, I don't think that running back talent just doesn't matter at all. And I think there's a pretty big gap between James Connor, Trey Benson and.

[D]

Michael Carter Mercado on that list.

[C]

I don't know that we've seen. Like, he's pretty much where Michael Carter is to me. Like, I don't know that the distinction between Michael Carter and Marty Mercado matters, But I. So 12 against the Titans? Sure. 12 against the. The Cowboys or the packers or the Colts? Probably not.

[B]

Okay, so you're pretty much out on these guys. I think if I have leagues, it looks like people are going to be more aggressive than you.

[C]

You are. I've not talked to anybody else who's going to spend over 20 of their budget.

[B]

Yeah, maybe not. But I do think most people are going to go more than 3%.

[C]

No, I was saying I wouldn't go more than 3% on Tucker.

[B]

Oh, on Tucker. Okay. How much would you go on Carter or D. Mercado?

[C]

I think you should be somewhere. I, I think double digits could make sense if you have a need at running back.

[B]

Right.

[D]

But, but like you said, Adam, it could very easily be a waste.

[B]

It could be 100. Yeah. You have to wonder, what am I saving my fab for? I happen to have a lot of fab in these leagues. I'm not, I'm not in the 60s. I'm in the high 80s, maybe in fab dollars, you know. So I happen to have a lot left. What am I saving it for? I don't know that that moment's ever going to come. You know, Emmanuel Wilson would have been someone like there are some handcuffs that are out there that if they got their chance, you'd go for it. But a lot of the high end ones are already rostered. Maybe that changes throughout the year. I don't know.

[E]

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[C]

A good, good thing to remember, like Todd Bowles said day to day on Bucky Irving. Other reports have been week to week, he's using crutches and in a walking boot, which I think is smart if you're trying to recover from a foot injury, but could signal something worse. It could be with, with Sean Tucker that we're paying for one week as the number two running back in this offense.

[B]

Definitely that's the question, right? It's what do you expect the split to be while. If. And while Bucky Irving's out and then we'll finish with that and 60, 40.

[D]

White, if not more. I mean, he's. He's a lock to play in passing down. Think about that offensive line and the shape that it's in. They need a good pass protector back there for Baker, and that's Rashad White to a T. And for what it's worth, White started the season looking pretty good. Right. The last two weeks, neither of them have looked good, specifically running the ball.

[B]

I think Rashad White's looked good for about half a season. You know, some point in the second half of last year, he just started running the ball better, so kudos to him. All right. I think that's pretty much going to wrap it up. I wish we had more of a timeline on Bucky Irving. We do not. But we do have the Benson news, so good luck. I will tell you this. Oh, go ahead, Heath.

[C]

Yeah, no, the last thing that's really, really important is we've still got 12 hours before a lot of fab is going to run. We've definitely got hopefully eight hours before anybody's going to bed. Like, keep refreshing for news from beat writers for I, I think their speculation in Arizona, those beat writers on what the touch split's going to be sure might be the most valuable thing we get in the next, next eight hours. Keep refreshing for news on Bucky Irving in terms of the week to week versus day to day stuff. Don't. Don't lock in your fab at 2pm eastern and forget about it.

[D]

Right? Yeah.

[B]

What is this app? I use the Bleacher Nation fantasy app and they'll just send you notifications with a ton of news. Could flood your phone, you know, but you'll get. You'll. You'll find out when the tweets come in. I dropped Pacheco for Michael Carter in a league. Okay, thank you very much, everybody, for. Thank you. I think his role is more valuable than.

[C]

Pacheco's going to be cheering for an Isaiah Pacheco breakout game. Against Jacksonville.

[B]

Buddy, I got plenty of pacheco left, okay? I got. I. There's only one league I did that in. Thank you very much for watching and listening, everybody. We will talk to you tomorrow on Fantasy Football.

[D]

Today.

[E]

Paramount park podcasts.

[F]

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