In the wake of yet another setback for the Arizona Cardinals' running game, Emari Demercado finds himself thrust into a spotlight he might not have expected so soon. With Trey Benson sidelined by a knee injury that's expected to keep him out for four to six weeks, and James Conner already lost for the season due to a foot problem, the backfield suddenly looks thin. Demercado, the 24-year-old running back, showed flashes in last Thursday's narrow 23-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, where he managed two carries for eight yards and hauled in both of his targets for 13 yards, including a crucial touchdown that tied the game.
Indeed, this opportunity comes at a pivotal moment. Benson's impending placement on injured reserve opens the door wide for Demercado and fellow back Michael Carter to split carries. Reports suggest Demercado could see a significant uptick in touches starting this Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Fantasy football managers, ever on the hunt for the next breakout, are already buzzing about him as a waiver wire gem. His agility and receiving skills out of the backfield—evident in college at Washington State—might just translate to more than mop-up duty now.
However, it's not all smooth sailing. The Cardinals' offense has struggled to find rhythm without a clear lead back, and Demercado's limited NFL snaps so far—mostly in change-of-pace roles—raise questions about his readiness for a heavier workload. Still, in a league where injuries dictate narratives, he's positioned to prove doubters wrong. Projections for the 2025 season had him as a depth piece, but with this sudden shift, he could eclipse 10 touches per game, blending rushes and passes in Kyler Murray's scheme.
Moreover, Carter's experience gives him an edge in short-yardage situations, potentially creating a committee that frustrates fantasy owners hoping for a clear winner. Demercado's touchdown grab last week was a highlight, but sustaining that against stiffer defenses will test his mettle.
As the Cardinals push forward, one can't help but wonder if this reshuffled backfield will stabilize or simply expose deeper issues in Arizona's ground attack.