The Cardinals placed Demercado (back) on injured reserve Saturday, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports. Demercado has been dealing with a back injury since late November, though he had been able to play through the issue until this week. He was ruled out Friday for Sunday's matchup against New England, and one day later the 25-year-old running back has landed on IR. Demercado isn't eligible to return during the regular season, so Arizona would need to get hot and make the playoffs in order for him to have a chance of suiting up again during the current campaign.
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Status
IR - Back - Not Specified Expected Return: 2025-02-10Latest Emari Demercado news
Other Cardinals Players
Team
Arizona Cardinals
Birthdate
1/20/1999 (25)
Status
Injured Reserve
HT/WT
5'9", 215 lbs
Birthplace
Inglewood, CA, USA
Position
RB
College
TCU
Experience
2 seasons
Career History
Arizona Cardinals
2023-Present
(2 seasons)
The Cardinals placed Demercado (back) on injured reserve Saturday, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports. Demercado has been dealing with a back injury since late November, though he had been able to play through the issue until this week. He was ruled out Friday for Sunday's matchup against New England, and one day later the 25-year-old running back has landed on IR. Demercado isn't eligible to return during the regular season, so Arizona would need to get hot and make the playoffs in order for him to have a chance of suiting up again during the current campaign.
Demercado (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Patriots, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports. Demercado played just eight offensive snaps last week against Seattle, and he's been passed on the depth chart by rookie Trey Benson in recent games. DeeJay Dallas will handle RB3 duties behind James Conner and Benson.
Demercado (back) didn't practice Thursday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports. Demercado has yet to take part in drills this week due to a lingering back injury that limited him during the entirety of Week 13 prep. His lack of activity this time around may be maintenance related, but his status is one to monitor to see if he could be in danger of missing Sunday's game versus the Patriots. If Demercado is inhibited or sidelined this weekend, rookie Trey Benson would be the Cardinals' unquestioned No. 2 RB behind starter James Conner.
Demercado (back) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports. For a second time in three weeks, Demercado is being listed with a back injury on Arizona's practice report. During Week 13 prep, Demercado was able to practice in a limited fashion all three days, so his lack of activity Wednesday is somewhat concerning. As such, Demercado's status is one to monitor as the week goes on to see if fellow reserve back Trey Benson may be in line for a bigger role behind starter James Conner on Sunday versus the Patriots.
Demercado recorded four receptions for 15 yards on four targets while playing eight of the Cardinals' 71 snaps on offense in Sunday's 30-18 loss to the Seahawks. Though he saw plenty of involvement during his brief time on the field, Demercado has yielded more playing time of late to rookie Trey Benson, who has either exceeded or matched his snap count in three of the last four contests. Starting running back James Conner has stayed healthy throughout the season and continues to serve as the lead runner while seeing ample usage on passing downs, leaving limited work left over for both Benson and Demercado. So long as the Cardinals remain in contention for a playoff spot, expect both backups to handle minor roles on offense while Arizona leans heavily on Conner.
Demercado (back) is listed as active Sunday at Minnesota, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports. Arizona capped Demercado's practice reps during the entirety of Week 13 prep due to a back injury, but the issue won't stop him from being available to the team's backfield Sunday. Nevertheless, with 32 touches in 11 appearances this season, he doesn't hold much sway with James Conner leading the Cardinals' rushing attack and rookie third-rounder Trey Benson taking 58 touches himself in 10 outings to date.
Demercado (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports. Demercado was limited in all three of Arizona's practices ahead of Sunday's game in Minnesota. If he suits up, Demercado will likely continue to see modest usage in a Cardinals backfield led by James Conner. Rookie third-round pick Trey Benson has also been more involved recently than Demercado, as the latter has exceeded two touches in only four of 11 appearances.
Demercado (back) was listed as limited on Thursday's injury report, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports. Demercado maintained his listing from Wednesday's session as he tends to a back issue, giving him just one more chance to get back to full participation Friday or else risk entering the weekend with a designation for Sunday's game at Minnesota. If he's able to suit up, he'll split the reps behind starting running back James Conner with rookie third-round pick Trey Benson.
Demercado was limited at Wednesday's practice due to a back injury, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports. Demercado dealt with a shoulder issue last week, but it didn't stop him from suiting up this past Sunday at Seattle. While he matched fellow reserve RB Trey Benson's nine offensive snaps, Demercado recorded a single carry versus the rookie's four rushes. Per usual, James Conner led the way with 40 (of 58) plays and 12 touches for 49 yards from scrimmage. Assuming Demercado puts this new health concern behind him, he likely won't be afforded enough looks to produce Sunday in Minnesota.