Emari Demercado Dealing With Shoulder Injury
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.
Source: Cards Wire - Howard Balzer
Arizona Cardinals running back Source: Cards Wire - Howard Balzer
Emari Demercado Ruled Out For Week 15
Emari Demercado (back) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's meeting with the New England Patriots. The second-year rusher will miss his first game of the season this weekend after picking up a back injury in Week 14's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Demercado played only seven snaps last Sunday, hauling in all four of his receptions for 15 yards. Though, he did not record a carry. His inactive designation isn't a surprise, considering he was listed as a non-participant for each of the Cards' practices leading up to the weekend. With the 25-year-old shelved, backfield mates James Conner and Trey Benson should each garner a few extra touches and snaps this weekend against the visiting Pats.
Source: Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals running back Source: Arizona Cardinals
Emari Demercado Active Versus Vikings
Emari Demercado (shoulder), who was listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 13 contest in Minnesota against the Vikings on Sunday, is officially active. Demercado was limited in practice all week but will be active on Sunday as they Cardinals look to bounce back in a hostile environment after dropping a big game to the division-rival Seattle Seahawks last week. The 25-year-old shouldn't be in any starting fantasy lineups in Minnesota as the RB3 in Arizona behind James Conner and rookie Trey Benson. Demercado has had more than two touches in only four of his 11 appearances in 2024. The former TCU product will only be worth a waiver-wire pickup if one of Conner or Benson gets hurt and misses time. Demercado has only 21 carries for 211 yards and one TD in his second year in the NFL.
Source: Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals running back Source: Arizona Cardinals
Emari Demercado Limited With Back Issue
Emari Demercado (back) was a limited participant during practice on Wednesday. The 25-year-old has mostly operated as the Cardinals' No. 3 running back this season, but he's still been efficient and productive, totaling 211 rushing yards, 86 receiving yards, and one touchdown through 11 games so far. He's not a dependable redraft option as long as both James Conner and Trey Benson are healthy.
Source: Darren Urban
Arizona Cardinals running back Source: Darren Urban
Emari Demercado Off The Injury Report
Emari Demercado (shoulder) was removed from the injury report and doesn't carry a designation heading into Sunday's divisional clash with the Seahawks. The 25-year-old has been battling a shoulder injury, resulting in limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday. However, he was a full-go on Friday. Demercado has only 20 carries for 197 yards and a touchdown this season, adding 11 catches for 86 yards. With James Conner and Trey Benson healthy and available for Sunday's contest, Demercado likely won't get much work, so fantasy managers should keep him out of the starting lineup or off the roster altogether.
Source: Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals running back Source: Arizona Cardinals
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