The Packers had declared Benson as their designated to return player on IR on Oct. 10 after the veteran hurt his foot during Green Bay's Week 5 loss at Indianapolis. The team was holding out hope that the three-time 1,000-yard rusher could avoid surgery, but a procedure became necessary after the injury failed to properly heal on its own.
Signed to a one-year contract during training camp, Benson was leading Green Bay with 248 rushing yards on 71 carries while adding 97 yards on 14 catches prior to being shelved.
The Packers have used a combination of Alex Green, James Starks and fullback John Kuhn in Benson's place, but the trio has averaged just 3.3 yards per rush attempt on the season. As a team, Green Bay ranks 23rd in the NFL in rushing offense.
