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

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.

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (shoulder) has returned to practice and participated in Wednesday's joint session with the Colts. After missing the previous week of practice and the Cardinals' first preseason game against the Saints due to a shoulder injuryevident by the brace he woreDemercado is now working to get back up to speed. He will have a few days to prepare for Saturday's exhibition game against the Colts. It will be interesting to see whether Demercado or rookie third-round pick Trey Benson will receive the initial running back touches if Demercado is cleared to play. Before his injury, Demercado had been mixing in with the first-team offense and spelling starter James Conner, suggesting he could regain his role if Conner sits out again.

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (shoulder) was spotted after Wednesday's training camp practice wearing a brace covering his right shoulder and going across his torso. James Conner is Arizona's clear lead back entering the 2024 season, but Demercado so far has been working with the first-team offense as his primary complement in the Cardinals' backfield. It's unclear if the 25-year-old's shoulder injury is serious enough to keep him out of practices moving forward, but if it is, it could give both Michael Carter and rookie Trey Benson opportunities to unseat Demercado as the RB2 in the desert. Demercado had 58 rushing attempts for 58 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games in his first NFL season in 2023 after going undrafted out of TCU. He could open the year as the No. 2 RB, but Benson has a fairly good shot at surpassing on the depth chart sooner than later.

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado has firmly placed himself as a player in the training camp battle to be the team's RB2. Demercado has been subbing in for James Conner during first-team work with Michael Carter taking second-team work and 2024 third-round pick Trey Benson spelling Carter. Demercado was a regular contributor last season for the Cardinals thanks to his pass-blocking work but he also started two games for the team in Weeks 7-8. Demercado's skillset is valuable and looks to be in line for a roster spot for the Cardinals, but it's only a matter of time before Benson moves up the depth chart considering the draft capital the team spent on him this past April. Demercado shouldn't be drafted in fantasy for this upcoming season but could find some waiver wire buzz if injuries strike the Cardinals' backfield.