The first game post-James Conner for the running back room was good, coach Jonathan Gannon said, although the snap breakdown was likely skewed because of the Cardinals trailing late in the game.

New RB1 Trey Benson was in for 37 of the 67 offensive snaps, finishing with 13 total touches and 54 total yards. Third-down back Emari Demercado, who will now revert to his pass-obvious role before Benson started getting it when Conner was active, played 26 snaps (and had a touchdown catch.) Practice-squad callup Michael Carter played four snaps, and Bam Knight only played special teams.

"I thought Trey played well," Gannon said Friday after re-watching the game. "There were some dirty yards in there, he had the one explosive, I thought he was good in the pass game. He put the ball where it needed to go. Emari got in and made some plays. The way the game went, Mike didn't play a ton. Emari played a decent amount because we were in known pass there. I was pleased with those guys. They have some things to correct in both the run and pass game, but nothing we can't fix."

The run game was de-emphasized in the game, which is why wide receiver Greg Dortch played a season-high 43 snaps and the tight ends not named Trey McBride barely played. Tip Reiman only played six snaps, the fewest of his career. Elijah Higgins only played nine snaps, his lowest total since Week 11 of his rookie season of 2023.

For the first time this season, only one player -- Budda Baker -- played all (65) defensive snaps. Fellow safety Jalen Thompson sat out one play, linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. and cornerback Max Melton missed two each.