Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Emari Demercado

Monday, November 24, 5:31 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine (ankle) has missed the last two games with an ankle injury, but he was listed as a full participant on Monday's estimated practice report, per SI.com's Jay Morrison. It's notable since rookie Tahj Brooks was already ruled out for Thursday's Thanksgiving Day game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a concussion he suffered in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots. As long as Perine doesn't suffer a setback with his ankle on Tuesday or Wednesday, he figures to be active in Week 13 to serve as the Bengals' No. 2 RB behind starter Chase Brown. The 30-year-old doesn't have standalone fantasy football value in a depth role, though. In 32 rushing attempts in 2025, Perine has 198 rushing yards and one score on the ground, adding 30 receiving yards.

Friday, November 28, 4:00 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (ankle) has been ruled out for his team's Week 13 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, per Darren Urban of azcardinals.com. Week 13 will mark Demercado's second straight missed game due to an ankle injury. With Demercado and Trey Benson (knee) remaining out in Week 13, the Cardinals' backfield remains wide open. Bam Knight (knee) has been the team's lead back in recent weeks, but he's listed as questionable to play himself due to a knee injury. If Knight is out or limited, Michael Carter could take over the lead role in the Arizona backfield. Jermar Jefferson could also see some work in Arizona after being active for the first time in 2025 in Week 12.