Who Should I Start? James Conner or Emari Demercado
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4 | 10.9 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 6.5 | 0.0 |
James Conner News
Wednesday, July 29, 11:13 AM
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot) is still not participating in team drills or 11-on-11 work as he continues his recovery from season-ending surgery, according to AZCardinals.com. Conner suffered a right foot injury in Week 3 last season and finished 2025 with 32 carries for 95 yards and one touchdown while adding eight receptions for 38 yards and another score across three games. Arizona has not provided a timetable for his return to full-team work, and the report did not mention a setback. His continued limitations give third-overall pick Jeremiyah Love, free-agent addition Tyler Allgeier, and Trey Benson additional opportunities in a crowded backfield. Love entered the offseason atop the depth chart after Arizona invested the No. 3 pick in him, so Conner will need to progress into team periods before his role can be evaluated clearly. For now, his participation level remains the key development to monitor as camp continues.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 | 16.9 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 5.4 | 0.0 |
Emari Demercado News
Thursday, March 12, 5:58 PM
The Kansas City Chiefs signed former Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Demercado had over 1,100 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns (three rushing) in his three years with the team, and he'll now join Kenneth Walker III in KC's new-look backfield going into the 2026 season. The 27-year-old former undrafted free agent out of TCU had a career-high 312 rushing yards on 44 carries in 13 games in Arizona in 2025, but he didn't find the end zone on the ground. Demercado added 13 receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown in an expanded role after both James Conner (foot) and Trey Benson (knee) suffered season-ending injuries. He never held a big role in Arizona's backfield, but he was productive when he touched the ball, averaging 6.5 yards per attempt on 126 carries. Demercado should have more upside as a stash candidate in deeper fantasy leagues while competing for backup duties with Brashard Smith.
James Conner vs. Emari Demercado
Still trying to decide between Conner and Demercado? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that James Conner is projected to score 3.4 points this week while Emari Demercado is projected to score 3.6 points.
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