In the wake of yet another injury setback for the Arizona Cardinals' running game, Emari Demercado finds himself thrust into a starring role. With Trey Benson sidelined by a knee issue that's expected to keep him out 4 to 6 weeks, and James Conner already lost for the season due to a foot problem, the team is leaning heavily on the undrafted rookie. Indeed, Demercado's recent glimpses of potential have fantasy football managers buzzing, even if his path to relevance has been anything but straightforward.
Just last Thursday, in a tight 23-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Demercado showed flashes. He carried the ball twice for a modest 8 yards but made his mark through the air, hauling in both targets for 13 yards and crucially, a touchdown that tied the game momentarily. That score alone highlights his versatility as a receiving back, something the Cardinals desperately need now with their top options depleted. Moreover, reports indicate he's lined up for expanded duties starting this Sunday against the Titans, sharing the load with Michael Carter and possibly Bam Knight.
Demercado's journey hasn't been glamorous. Coming out of TCU after a junior college stint at Saddleback, he went undrafted in 2023 but stuck with Arizona through sheer grit. His stats so far this season—limited carries, sure, but efficient when called upon—paint a picture of a player ready to seize the moment. However, the backfield shuffle raises questions about consistency; Carter's experience might eat into touches, and Demercado's junior college roots remind us he's still unproven at this level. Fantasy projections are climbing, though, with some outlets bumping his weekly value into RB2 territory if he gets 10-15 touches.
Indeed, this opportunity could define Demercado's career, turning a depth piece into a household name—or exposing the limits of Arizona's thin roster. As the Cardinals push forward, one wonders if this makeshift committee will stabilize or just prolong the pain.