The Arizona Cardinals' running game, already battered by James Conner's season-ending foot injury, took another hit this week. Rookie Trey Benson, who had stepped into the lead role, suffered a knee injury in last Thursday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Placed on injured reserve Wednesday, Benson faces four to six weeks sidelined after meniscus surgery. Suddenly, the backfield turns to veterans Michael Carter and Emari Demercado, both unproven as full-time carries in this high-stakes setup.
Michael Carter, elevated from the practice squad just days ago, brings a no-nonsense style honed from his Jets days. In his brief Week 4 cameo against Seattle, he managed one carry for a yard—hardly inspiring, but he's the type built for early-down pounds. Carter's 131 rushing yards and a touchdown last season on 35 carries suggest he could handle the workload, yet his limited snaps raise doubts about sustaining it over a full game. The Cardinals' coaching staff, led by Jonathan Gannon, hinted at a committee approach, but Carter's physicality might edge him toward more touches against Tennessee's stout front.
Emari Demercado, meanwhile, flashed potential in that same Seahawks matchup. He rushed twice for eight yards and caught both targets for 13 yards and a touchdown, thriving in the passing game where he's always excelled. However, Demercado's role has been mostly third-down duties; he's topped four carries in a game only once since 2023. With 507 rushing yards and three scores over two seasons, plus 223 receiving yards, he offers versatility—but can he lead a ground attack depleted by injury? Indeed, his 26 snaps to Carter's four last week signal trust in his all-around game, though it leaves the early downs murky.
However, the real test comes Sunday against the Titans, where Arizona's offense desperately needs rhythm. Bam Knight lurks as a depth option, but don't count on him stealing significant reps yet. This duo's success hinges on Kyler Murray's play-action magic, yet the Cardinals' 2-2 start feels fragile without a reliable rush.
As Phoenix faithful brace for more uncertainty, one wonders if Carter and Demercado can forge a stable tandem—or if the backfield carousel spins on.