The Arizona Cardinals' running back room has taken a hit this season, and now undrafted free agent Emari Demercado finds himself thrust into a bigger role. With James Conner sidelined for the year due to a foot injury and Trey Benson likely headed to injured reserve with a knee issue—out at least four to six weeks—Demercado's fantasy stock is suddenly on the rise. It's a situation that feels almost too opportunistic for a player who was barely on radars earlier this year.
Indeed, Demercado showed flashes in last Thursday's narrow 23-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He managed just two rushes for eight yards, but caught both of his targets for 13 yards and, crucially, a touchdown that tied the game late. That receiving score wasn't just a fluke; it highlighted his versatility as a change-of-pace back, something the Cardinals have leaned on amid their backfield woes. Now, with Benson down, Demercado and veteran Michael Carter are set to split carries starting this Sunday against the Titans. Expect Demercado to see at least 10-12 touches, per early reports, a jump from his previous sporadic usage.
However, let's not get carried away. Demercado's college days at TCU were solid—he racked up over 1,000 rushing yards as a junior college transfer—but the NFL transition hasn't been smooth. He's averaged under four yards per carry this season so far, and Arizona's offensive line hasn't exactly been a pillar of strength. Still, in fantasy leagues, he's becoming a hot waiver-wire add, especially in deeper formats where bye weeks and injuries are biting hard. Projections have him flirting with RB3 territory if he holds onto the ball.
Moreover, the Cardinals' coaching staff seems cautiously optimistic. Demercado's pass-catching ability could keep him involved even as Carter, the more experienced hand, takes the early lead. It's a tandem that might stabilize things, but the real test comes against Tennessee's middling run defense. Demercado, at 25, brings that elusive speed from his Inglewood roots, yet questions linger about his durability under heavier snaps.
As the fantasy playoffs loom distant but ever-present, Demercado's path forward invites a closer look at how unheralded players reshape a team's fortunes.