Latest Updates on Arizona Cardinals Practice: Michael Carter vs Emari Demercado Showdown
Eagles and Lions Lead the Charge in NFL Week 5 Best Bets
Are you looking for smart picks for this Sunday’s NFL games? Lorenzo Reyes shares his top bets for Week 5, including strong reasons to back the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. While these teams present promising opportunities, Week 5 also unveils intriguing developments around the Arizona Cardinals’ backfield ahead of their matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
Cardinals Running Back Situation: Carter and Demercado in Focus
The Arizona Cardinals’ practice session on Thursday, October 2, provided little clarity on their running back scenario. With James Conner and Trey Benson both on injured reserve, the team relies on Michael Carter and Emari Demercado to fill the void. During open practice, reporters observed Carter and Demercado alternating as leaders in individual drills, hinting at the uncertainty around who will start.
| Running Back | Primary Role |
|---|---|
| Michael Carter | Early-down plays |
| Emari Demercado | Passing downs |
Injuries and Implications for Cardinals’ Strategies
Michael Carter, a versatile player who joined the Cardinals in 2023, might see significant action, primarily during early downs. His trajectory with the team mirrors his path last season when he became the lead back in the final two games due to a slew of injuries.
Coaching Staff’s Take on Running Back Roles
- According to offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Carter is a well-rounded player who has sharpened his skills in pass protection over recent years.
- Head Coach Jonathan Gannon remains uncertain about deploying Demercado as a three-down back or adopting a mixed approach.
Gannon commented, “We’ll see how the week goes. We need to pick up that role, but we feel confident about Bam Knight, Emari Demercado, and Mike Carter. All three will likely see playing time.” As per Gannon and running backs coach Autry Denson, further updates are expected by Friday, October 3, providing more insight before the Titans game.
Assessments in Preseason Performances
During preseason games without Conner or Benson, Carter and Demercado’s roles continued to fluctuate. Carter started as the lead back in preseason Week 2, while Demercado took on passing downs. By Week 3, Demercado assumed the starting role with Carter and Knight rotating in, showcasing the coaching staff’s ongoing assessment to optimize the team’s strategic depth.
Stay tuned for more updates from Emegypt as the Cardinals refine their strategies ahead of Sunday’s showdown against the Titans.
