Emari Demercado's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (shoulder) was a limited participant in the team's first practice after their Week 11 bye. The TCU product evidently picked up a shoulder issue at some point between Arizona's 31-6 victory over the New York Jets in Week 10 and Wednesday's practice, but that he could log a limited session suggests it might not be that serious. The Cards have a divisional clash on tap with the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday, and the 25-year-old will have two more opportunities to elevate his practice status before the team must label him with a designation for the Week 12 road tilt. Rookie running back Trey Benson has seen his snap and opportunity share increase over the team's last few games and would be in line for more work behind lead back James Conner if Demercado can't suit up.

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado got involved in the Week 9 win over the Chicago Bears with an impressive 53-yard rushing touchdown right before halftime, giving the Cardinals a 21-9 lead. Demercado has impressed throughout the season in his limited playing time, which has frequently come on third downs. His final stat line was four carries for 59 yards and one rushing touchdown, along with two catches for 21 yards. It's unclear whether Demercado's role will increase, making him not an option for fantasy managers when the Cardinals play the Jets in Week 10.

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado got a good amount of work in the Cardinals' second preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday. Demercado led the running backs with 10 carries but for a paltry 24 yards. He also added one catch on his lone target for nine yards. The battle for the RB3 spot likely comes down to Demercado and Michael Carter, as the two traded third-down snaps with Demercado taking a slight 4-to-3 edge. Carter did take 4-of-5 two-minute drill snaps, however, per PFF's Nathan Jahnke. Demercado should go undrafted in fantasy drafts, but he was solidly useful for a spell last season when he was the lead back with James Conner hurt. With Conner and rookie Trey Benson in tow, Demercado becomes depth running back for Arizona who needs multiple injuries to be relevant in fantasy for 2024.