In the swirling uncertainty of the Arizona Cardinals' running back room, Emari Demercado has suddenly found himself thrust into a spotlight he might not have anticipated. With James Conner sidelined for the season due to a foot injury and Trey Benson now headed to injured reserve with a knee issue—expected to miss four to six weeks—Demercado's role is expanding rapidly. Last Thursday's narrow 23-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks offered a glimpse: the undrafted rookie turned change-of-pace back rushed twice for just eight yards but hauled in both targets for 13 yards and, crucially, a touchdown that briefly ignited hope among fans.
Indeed, this isn't the first time Demercado has shown flashes. Over the early part of the 2025 season, he's compiled modest but intriguing numbers—think 45 carries for 198 yards and a pair of scores on the ground, plus 22 receptions for 156 yards through five games. Fantasy football managers, ever vigilant for the next breakout, are buzzing. His average draft position has climbed into the late rounds, now hovering around RB40 territory, a testament to the desperation in deeper leagues. However, skeptics point out his limited explosiveness; at 5-foot-11 and 216 pounds, he's more grinder than game-breaker, relying on savvy cuts rather than raw speed.
Moreover, the Cardinals' coaching staff seems cautiously optimistic. Head coach Jonathan Gannon mentioned post-game that Demercado's versatility—handling kick returns too—could be a boon, especially with Michael Carter likely to split carries in the interim. Yet, as Arizona prepares for Sunday's matchup against the Titans, questions linger about whether Demercado can shoulder the load without fading. His college days at TCU, where he racked up over 2,200 all-purpose yards, suggest potential, but the NFL's grind is another beast entirely.
However, in a league where injuries dictate narratives, Demercado's emergence feels almost scripted. Fantasy owners scrambling on waivers might see him as a must-add, projecting around 10-12 touches per game now. Still, the real test comes with consistency—can he turn opportunity into reliability?
As the Cardinals navigate this backfield reshuffle, one wonders if Demercado's quiet ascent will redefine their offensive rhythm or merely serve as a temporary patch.