Who Should I Start? MarShawn Lloyd or Emari Demercado

Thursday, October 23, 12:57 PM

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said last week that running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring), who has been on Injured Reserve for the first seven weeks, was getting closer to practicing. However, the team still has not designated Lloyd to return from IR, and he has not resumed practicing with the team as they prepare this week for a Sunday night battle with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8. Perhaps Lloyd will have his 21-day practice window opened next week, but even then, he wouldn't be a lock to make his 2025 debut in Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers. There have been rumors that the Packers are making calls ahead of the trade deadline on RBs, so maybe Lloyd isn't as close to a return as the Packers are leading on. The former third-rounder has been a major bust for the Packers so far due to injuries, playing in just one game since the start of last year.

Friday, October 17, 1:11 PM

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.