Michael Carter vs. Emari Demercado: Arizona Cardinals Practice Updates

The Arizona Cardinals are currently facing challenges in their running back lineup as Week 5 of the NFL approaches. On October 2, the team held a practice session that highlighted the competition between Michael Carter and Emari Demercado for the starting role, particularly in the absence of James Conner (foot) and Trey Benson (knee), both on injured reserve.

Current Running Back Situation

With Conner and Benson unavailable, Carter and Demercado are set to lead the backfield against the Tennessee Titans. During practice, the two players alternated in their drills, creating uncertainty about who will assume the starting position.

• Michael Carter: Joined the Cardinals in 2023 and has experience on both the practice squad and active roster.
• Emari Demercado: Known for his skills as a pass catcher, he typically plays on passing downs.

Performance and Roles

Carter started the week by taking first team snaps in individual drills, suggesting he could be the nominal starter. He expressed that transitioning from a scout team player to a potential starter is significant. On the other hand, Demercado has mostly played in third-down situations and during two-minute drills, indicating a specific role within the team.

Carter’s role might involve more early-down work, with Demercado primarily serving in the passing game. Over the last two seasons, Demercado has played over 80% of his snaps in passing situations, emphasizing his importance in the air attack.

Coaching Insights

Cardinals’ offensive coordinator Drew Petzing praised Carter’s well-rounded skill set, particularly his improvements in pass protection. He stated that such versatility is beneficial for the team’s overall performance.

When questioned about whether Demercado could handle a three-down role, head coach Jonathan Gannon and Petzing refrained from providing definitive answers. Gannon mentioned that all three players—Carter, Demercado, and Zonovan Knight—are expected to see playtime.

Preseason Observations

In the preseason, the Cardinals evaluated their backs without Conner and Benson. In these games, Carter and Demercado alternated as the starting running back, providing valuable insights into their capabilities and playing styles.

As the team prepares for their upcoming game, the next update on the running back situation is expected after the Friday press conference. The performance of Michael Carter and Emari Demercado will be pivotal as they step into key roles during this critical point of the season.