Cardinals Football Depth Chart: How Drew Petzing Balances Emari Demercado and Trey Benson in 2025 Amid Key Injuries and Shifting Roles

Arizona Cardinals depth chart 2025: Running back hierarchy reshaped

The updated Cardinals Football Depth Chart: How Drew Petzing Balances Emari Demercado and Trey Benson in 2025 shows a dramatic shift after James Conner’s injury. The latest backfield order is as follows:

This reshuffling places Benson as the central figure in the offense, while Demercado provides versatility and situational relief.

James Conner injury status and its impact on Arizona’s offense

James Conner’s ankle injury has sidelined him for the remainder of the season, forcing the Cardinals to adjust their offensive strategy. His absence removes a reliable power runner and goal-line threat, pushing Petzing to diversify play-calling. Without Conner, the offense loses its veteran anchor, meaning both Benson and Demercado must step into expanded and complementary roles.

Trey Benson role Cardinals: Establishing himself as RB1

Trey Benson has quickly become the featured back on the Cardinals Football Depth Chart. Known for his blend of speed and physicality, Benson offers Arizona a true three-down option. His ability to contribute in both the running and passing game gives Petzing flexibility in game planning.

Key strengths of Benson’s role include:

• Early down reliability for moving the chains

• Explosiveness on outside zone and cutback runs

• Growing usage in short passing situations

Benson’s workload is expected to increase week by week as he adjusts to being the primary back.

Emari Demercado usage as a change-of-pace weapon

While Benson shoulders the heavy lifting, Emari Demercado remains vital to the Cardinals’ offensive rhythm. His role centers around third downs, passing downs, and providing a shift in tempo against defensive fronts.

Situations where Demercado is most effective:

• Third-and-medium downs requiring pass protection or outlet catches

• Two-minute drill drives where speed and quick reads are essential

• Rotational series to keep Benson fresh and limit injury risk

Demercado’s value lies in his versatility and ability to create mismatches against linebackers in coverage.

Drew Petzing play-calling scheme and the balancing act

Drew Petzing’s offensive philosophy has been tested by Conner’s absence. Known for leaning on a strong ground game, Petzing now faces calls to expand creativity and diversify Arizona’s approach. His challenge is finding the right balance between Benson’s every-down capabilities and Demercado’s situational advantages.

Possible adjustments Petzing could implement:

• Alternating series between Benson and Demercado to keep defenses guessing

• Expanding the screen game to highlight Demercado’s agility

• Utilizing Benson more in inside-zone and power formations

By varying personnel packages, Petzing can avoid predictability while maintaining efficiency in both rushing and passing phases.

The bigger picture for the Cardinals Football Depth Chart

The Cardinals’ evolving backfield is not only about filling the void left by Conner but also about developing a sustainable offensive identity. With Benson and Demercado complementing each other, the Cardinals may unlock a two-back system that diversifies play-calling and keeps opposing defenses on their heels.

Factors to watch moving forward include:

• Snap count distribution between Benson and Demercado

• Offensive line performance in creating running lanes

• Adaptation of play-calling against top NFC defenses

• Durability of both young backs as workloads increase

Arizona’s ability to adapt will define the season, and Drew Petzing’s management of this dual-back approach could shape not only the Cardinals’ offensive output but also their chances of remaining competitive in the NFC.