The Arizona Cardinals are in a difficult situation early in the season. James Conner was expected to be the team’s starting running back this season. However, he suffered an injury to his right foot and is now aiming for a return in 2026. Trey Benson was then elevated to the starting role. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, Benson suffered a knee injury in Week 4 and will now miss at least four games.
With Conner and Benson both out, the Cardinals’ running back depth will be tested against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Emari Demercado and Michael Carter are up next on the depth chart, and as a result, are expected to get significant playing time on Sunday. However, it is not clear which one will get the majority of the snaps.
According to a report from insider Jeremy Fowler, the Cardinals plan to ride the hot hand on Sunday. They will use both Carter and Demercado, as well as Bam Knight.
“Decimated by RB injuries, the Cardinals plan to ride the hot hand Sunday vs. Tennessee. That includes Michael Carter and Bam Knight on base downs and Emari Demercado on third downs,” Jeremy Fowler wrote.
Decimated by RB injuries, the Cardinals plan to ride the hot hand Sunday vs. Tennessee. That includes Michael Carter and Bam Knight on base downs and Emari Demercado on third downs.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 4, 2025
Are Michael Carter or Emari Demercado Viable Fantasy Options in Week 5?
The Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans are set to play at 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday. While the Cardinals are favored to defeat the winless Titans, their limited running back depth could be a significant factor. For fantasy players, many might be wondering if Michael Carter or Emari Demercado is a viable fantasy option on Sunday.
While it is possible that one of the Cardinals’ running backs has a big game, it is hard to predict which one. All three are expected to get snaps, and if one gets hot, the Cardinals will ride him. As a result, it is not a good idea to start any of them on Sunday. We recommend fantasy players to find more experienced running back options on the waiver wire.
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