GLENDALE – With tonight’s preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Arizona Cardinals are left with plenty tough decisions on making roster cuts. The running back battle has been a runaway for the top two position in James Conner and Trey Benson, but the final RB3 spot has been tightly contested by Michael Carter and Emari Demercado. The pair have each have had signature moments with the team, but Saturday’s game against Las Vegas is the final snaps before the season opener.
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Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) breaks out of the backfield against the Kansas City Chiefs during their preseason game at State Farm Stadium on Aug. 9, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Cardinals must choose between Carter or Demercado:
The case for Carter is simple. The 26-year-old is a fifth-year pro and has garnered experience as a premier backup. When Carter arrived midway through 2023, he didn’t get many careers but each time the ball was in his hands was electric. In nine games spanning over two years, Carter has averaged 4.9 yards per carry.
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Carter made headlines recently for defending his quarterback Kyler Murray from the media. When talking about his video games habits, Carter took the opportunity to call out the media for how they treated Murray and praise how hard of a worker he has been since returning from injury. Carter is a pro’s pro, who defends his teammates on and off the field.
Demercado is also 26 years old, but he is only entering his third season. The former undrafted free agent had his best season in 2024, as despite having half as many carries, Demercado’s yards per carry doubled from 4.9 to 9.3. In the preseason opener against the Chiefs, Demercado had the highlight of the night with a 43-yard touchdown off a screen.
Dec 24, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (31) runs with the ball against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
He has appeared in 27 games over the past two seasons and has clearly gotten the edge over Carter due to his explosiveness. The 5’9 Demercado would be a nice change of pace from Conner and Benson, who are both power backs that absorb contact.
Arizona is likely leaning towards Demercado as the RB3, but Carter’s recent comments defending Murray will surely have the franchise quarterback on his side.
Cardinals position group will be tested in Preseason Finale against Raiders
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
