Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado could see an increased workload heading into the team's Week 11 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. With Bam Knight (ankle) a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Demercado may build on his career-best performance last week, where he picked up 104 yards from scrimmage on just seven touches. The 26-year-old back is likely to see heavy usage moving forward, with quarterback Jacoby Brissett poised to get the ball out quickly to his playmakers.
Nov 12, 2025 11:11 PM EST
Despite increased involvement in the Arizona Cardinals' backfield of late, running back Emari Demercado is listed as the No. 2 RB behind Bam Knight heading into the team's Week 11 divisional clash with the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday. Knight made the start in Sunday's blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks and led the backfield with 10 carries before leaving late in the game with an ankle injury. Knight's ankle injury doesn't seem to be serious enough to keep him from playing this weekend, which makes the 26-year-old Demercado less attractive as a potential DFS sleeper against San Fran. Trying to predict Arizona's backfield since Trey Benson's knee injury has been a headache for fantasy managers, although as long as he stays healthy, Knight appears to be the guy in more of a committee approach. Dermercado had a season-high 14 carries for 79 yards on Nov. 3 against the Cowboys, but he handled only eight touches in Week 10, going for 67 scrimmage yards. It's hard to recommend any Cardinals RB in fantasy as anything more than a desperation RB3/flex until Benson returns from IR.
Nov 11, 2025 5:13 PM EST
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado had only seven total touches in Sunday's blowout loss to the Seahawks. Still, he was able to salvage a respectable fantasy performance on the back of two big plays, a 55-yard fourth-quarter rush, and a 34-yard catch and run on a first-half dumpoff. He finished the day with 104 yards and looked like the Cardinals' most explosive back for the second straight week. Unfortunately, he still finds himself in a near 50/50 time share with Bam Knight, making him little more than a desperation flex play until Trey Benson (knee) returns from the knee injury that has now cost him five games. The Cardinals face the 49ers in Week 11, an above-average matchup for running backs, and Demercado represents a high-risk/moderate-reward on this week's waiver wire.
Nov 10, 2025 2:38 PM EST
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado posted his best performance of the season during last week's win over the Dallas Cowboys. Demercado saw a season-high 14 carries for 79 yards in the Week 9 victory. Before that, Demercado saw only a few carries in the backfield, but figures to have earned a larger role in the backfield. It's worth noting the Cardinals are operating a three-back committee with Michael Carter and Bam Knight involved as well. It seems like the team is intent on going with the hot hand in the backfield, which is Demercado right now. Fantasy managers in desperate need of help for Week 10 might want to consider Demercado as a possible flex option.
Nov 9, 2025 7:33 AM EST
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado led the team in rushing in their Week 9 win over the Dallas Cowboys, handling 14 carries for 79 yards. Demercado's role for Week 10, however, is still uncertain after head coach Jonathan Gannon has provided no insight whatsoever into their plans for how they will manage the backfield on Sunday in Seattle. Arizona's backfield has been a nightmare for fantasy managers to figure out recently, but Demercado provides some element of explosiveness and big-play ability that Bam Knight and Michael Carter don't offer. Knight has maintained the slight upper hand on snaps in recent weeks, while Carter has slid to the RB3 role. Demercado has the most juice as a receiver out of the backfield, which is an area that Seattle has struggled with this season, allowing the second-most receptions (48) to opposing running backs. It's tough to know for certain, but Knight and Demercado project to split most of the touches on Sunday, with Knight on early downs and Demercado on pass downs.
Nov 8, 2025 1:27 PM EST
When asked about how the team's backfield split will look in Sunday's road tilt with the Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon declined to give clear insight. "Similar but not the same," said Gannon. "Maybe a little bit different." It was also noted that he and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing have not discussed which running back will be out there to start the game. Emari Demercado led the team in carries (14) and yards (79) in Week 9. However, it's worth noting that Bam Knight led the duo in snaps (38-27) and was handily out-produced (9/27). As it stands, Gannon could deploy a hot-hand approach, leaving fantasy managers stuck guessing between the two. For what it's worth, Knight has been the snap-leader since teammate Trey Benson (knee) went down with injury. Hopefully, Week 10's clash with Seattle yields further understanding of the situation.
Nov 7, 2025 11:57 AM EST
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado had a strong performance in a 27-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9, rushing for a team-high 79 yards on 14 carries. Demercado ran well against a poor Dallas run defense, and with uncertainty in regards to Trey Benson's (knee) return, the Cardinals could ride the hot hand with Demercado as the back to receive the most touches in their Week 10 matchup against the division-leading Seattle Seahawks. The Arizona backfield has been a messy one to figure out for fantasy managers, and it will likely stay that way for the foreseeable future. Seattle is a tough matchup, but Demercado has value as a flex play.
Nov 6, 2025 12:56 AM EST
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado led his team in both carries (14) and rushing yards (79) in their 27-17 Week 9 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Week 9 was Demercado's highest-usage game of the season by far, as he had not recorded more than four touches in any game leading into the week. Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee) is eligible to return from Injured Reserve for the team's Week 10 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Still, there's no guarantee that Benson will be ready, or that he'll be able to handle a full workload even if he's active for the game. If Benson is compromised or remains out, Demercado could be the team's lead back for a second straight week. Seattle is a very tough matchup for running backs, but Demercado is still deserving of a waiver-wire look from fantasy managers.
Nov 4, 2025 11:25 AM EST
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (ankle) doesn't carry an injury designation into Monday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. Demercado was limited through the first two practices of the week. However, Demercado was able to get through a full session on Saturday. After that, Demercado was cleared to suit up for Monday's Week 9 matchup in Dallas. The 26-year-old is currently stuck in the middle of a committee in the backfield. In Week 5, Demercado only touched the ball three times, but he rushed for 81 yards. Sadly, Demercado isn't touching the ball enough right now to warrant starting in any formats.
Nov 1, 2025 6:17 PM EST
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (ankle) has been ruled out for Week 7 this Sunday against the visiting Green Bay Packers, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. Demercado suffered an ankle injury in last week's loss to the Indianapolis Colts and was unable to practice all week. The 26-year-old will now have next week's bye to heal up before potentially returning for a Week 9 contest versus the Dallas Cowboys. Demercado was a popular waiver-wire addition when Trey Benson (knee) suffered a knee injury in Week 4, but it was Michael Carter, not Demercado, who took over the majority of backfield work for the Cardinals. Arizona then went to Bam Knight as their primary backfield option in Week 6, with Carter taking on most of the pass-catching duties. Expect that to continue against Green Bay, with D'Ernest Johnson or Jermar Jefferson serving in the RB3 role with Demercado out.
Oct 17, 2025 1:11 PM EST
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (ankle) is questionable to return to his team's Week 6 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Demercado had just one carry for one yard before getting injured. Even before he got hurt, it appeared that Demercado may have been behind both Michael Carter and Bam Knight in the pecking order for backfield touches in Arizona. If Demercado is unable to return, Carter and Knight would likely see all of the remaining backfield work in Week 6.
Oct 12, 2025 2:36 PM EST
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado had a Week 5 to forget, as he dropped the ball for a fumble just before crossing the goal line on what should have been a long touchdown run. Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that Demercado will maintain his role in the offense despite the error. Still, Demercado appears to be limited to a third-down role in the Cardinals' backfield. Veteran back Michael Carter assumed lead rushing responsibilities in Week 5, the team's first full game without top running backs James Conner (ankle) and Trey Benson (knee). Arizona takes on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 6, who are tied for first in the NFL in fewest rushing touchdowns allowed (two). Demercado recorded just three total touches in Week 5 and should not be expected to see significantly more work in Week 6. Demercado profiles as a low-end flex option in deep leagues in Week 6 against the Colts.
Oct 11, 2025 2:47 PM EST
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon reported on Thursday that running back Emari Demercado will not be punished for costing the team a touchdown in their loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 5. "It's the best thing for the team," said Gannon. Demercado egregiously lost a handle on the football last weekend as he pulled up early before crossing the goal line on a breakaway run. However, it doesn't appear that the head coach will dock him playing time, despite his visible frustration on the sideline following the blunder. In somewhat of a surprise, backfield mate Michael Carter seized the team's primary rushing role following Trey Benson's (knee) injury, and that should be the case again in Week 6. Demercado will operate on third downs and as a change-of-pace option.
Oct 10, 2025 11:41 AM EST
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado "will stay in the same role" on third downs. Meanwhile, Michael Carter will take over on first and second downs with Trey Benson (knee) out four to six weeks after having surgery on his meniscus. James Conner (ankle) has already been lost for the year, so the Cardinals' backfield depth is being tested early on. Arizona could plan more designed runs for slippery quarterback Kyler Murray, too. Demercado had two carries for eight yards and caught both of his targets for 13 yards and a touchdown in the Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. While the 26-year-old will be more involved with Benson out, it's Carter that should see more volume, and thus be a better flex play in fantasy lineups, starting this Sunday against the winless Tennessee Titans. Demercado is a better flex option in PPR formats.
Oct 5, 2025 12:26 PM EST
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado should be in line for a significant workload increase in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans, with Cardinals running backs James Conner (ankle) and Trey Benson (knee) both on Injured Reserve. However, Demercado still figures to split playing time with Arizona backs Michael Carter and Bam Knight. On the plus side, all three Cardinals running backs have a favorable matchup against a Tennessee run defense that has allowed the fifth-most rushing yards in the NFL so far in 2025. Demercado has recorded 751 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns on 125 total touches across 31 career games with Arizona. In Week 5, he profiles as a high-end RB3/flex option for fantasy managers.
Oct 4, 2025 12:28 PM EST
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado served as the team's RB2 in Week 4 behind Trey Benson (knee). However, with Benson now on Injured Reserve due to a knee injury, it does not appear that Demercado is a lock to assume Arizona's RB1 role. Demercado has appeared in 31 games for the Cardinals since the start of 2023, but he has not recorded more than four carries in a game since October of his first season with the team. That could indicate that Arizona feels comfortable with Demercado as the team's passing-downs back, but that veteran back Michael Carter could assume the bulk of the early-down work. Heading into a Week 5 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Demercado profiles as a decent flex option for fantasy managers, but Carter should be the preferred play.
Oct 3, 2025 10:51 AM EST
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado will "be what he's always been, a third-down back," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Cardinals have plenty of available playing time in their backfield after losing James Conner (ankle) for the season and Trey Benson (knee) for four to six weeks due to a meniscus injury. However, Schefter reports that it could be Cardinals running back Michael Carter, not Demercado, who sees the most backfield touches. Demercado has recorded 21 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on six total touches so far in 2025. The 26-year-old has appeared in 31 career games for the Cardinals but has not logged more than four carries in a game since October 2023. Heading into a Week 5 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Demercado looks like a low-end flex option in deep leagues at best.
Oct 2, 2025 4:23 PM EST
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado is set to handle feature-back duties following the loss of Trey Benson (knee) and James Conner (Achilles). While his 2025 numbers are modest so far--just four carries for eight yards and two receptions for 13 yards--Demercado flashed last season with 223 yards on only 24 attempts, showing the ability to pick up chunk plays when given steady work. With Arizona's backfield depth depleted, the "next man up" approach leaves Demercado as the clear option to shoulder the load, and Kyler Murray's mobility should create additional running lanes to aid his efficiency. Fantasy managers should consider Demercado a must-add in all formats, as he projects for both volume and opportunity in an offense desperate for balance.
Oct 1, 2025 2:29 PM EST
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado has recorded 21 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on just six total touches so far in 2025. However, there's a chance he's the team's featured back in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans with James Conner (ankle) out for the season and Trey Benson (knee) possibly facing a short-term absence. If Benson misses Week 5, the Cardinals would likely split touches to some degree between Demercado and running back Michael Carter. Demercado started the season as the team's RB3 while Carter was only added to the active roster once Conner went down. Still, Demercado has not logged more than four carries in a game since Week 8 of the 2023 season. Demercado should be added in all deep fantasy leagues and could be a low-end flex option in Week 5 if Benson is sidelined.
Oct 1, 2025 12:03 PM EST
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado had four touches for 21 yards and a touchdown in the Cardinals' Thursday night loss to the Seahawks. His score came by a seven-yard reception to tie the score at 20 with 28 seconds to go before eventually falling to the Seattle Seahawks 23-20. Demarcado had two rush attempts and two receptions, and Trey Benson operated as the team's primary running back on Thursday with James Conner (foot) out for the season. Demercado mostly found himself in the game on third downs and in the two-minute offense. With the Cardinals down by a few scores in the fourth quarter, he played a decent amount late in the game, which ultimately led to a touchdown. Demercado is expected to remain involved, but not to the extent that it can provide standalone PPR value. Fantasy managers will want to look elsewhere for production, as Demarcado's looking like a handcuff to Benson, at best.
Sep 26, 2025 9:44 AM EST
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