The Arizona Cardinals are running out of bodies in the backfield. With James Conner and Trey Benson already sidelined, the offense took another hit when Emari Demercado went down against San Francisco. Now, Arizona faces a brutal reality: trying to patch together a run game with their third, fourth, and fifth options while staring down a crucial road trip.
The medical staff has a decision to make, and it could determine whether the Cardinals can move the ball at all in Week 13.
What Is The Timeline For Emari Demercado’s Injury?
Initial tests confirmed Demercado suffered a high ankle sprain during the Week 11 loss to San Francisco. That is a tough blow for a running back because it kills the ability to cut and accelerate. The team did not provide a specific return date, instead opting for a week-to-week outlook, but these injuries typically linger. You cannot simply tape it up and go; it takes time to regain that explosive movement safely.
This hurts more because the running back room is already thin. Earlier in the year, the team moved James Conner and rookie Trey Benson to injured reserve. That forced Arizona into a committee approach with Demercado, Michael Carter, and Bam Knight.
With Demercado hurting, that rotation gets even smaller. The coaches must adjust their game plan and pass protection schemes while waiting to see how he recovers. Right now, the Cardinals rank just 23rd on PFSN’s Offense Impact (OFFi) with a C- grade, so they cannot afford to lose more playmakers.
High ankle sprains are challenging because they vary significantly from player to player. The medical staff needs to see the swelling decrease and pain levels drop before they consider game action. Demercado has to prove he can plant his foot and burst through a hole without any issues during practice. Until he shows that lateral agility in team drills, he is going to stay on the sideline.
Will Demercado Play Against The Buccaneers In Week 13?
As we look toward the matchup with Tampa Bay, Demercado’s status is still up in the air. Everything depends on whether he can get on the practice field this week. If he looks limited but responds well to the work, he might have a shot at a managed role. However, if he cannot practice, he is unlikely to play. Teams usually play it safe with this injury to avoid making it worse, which explains why he was unlikely to suit up immediately after the diagnosis.
Arizona won’t make a final call until they see him move. He needs to plant, cut, and run at game speed without a setback. If he cannot go, the offense will lean heavily on Carter and Knight to handle the early-down carries and catches out of the backfield. That means the committee approach becomes even more critical for keeping the offense on schedule.
Even if Demercado dresses for the game, do not expect a full workload. He would probably stick to specific situations, like short-yardage plays or checkdowns, to minimize the stress on his ankle. The team is prioritizing his long-term health, so any decision to play him hinges on visible progress during the week. If that progress isn’t there, the Cardinals will proceed with the healthy backs they have left.
