GLENDALE – Arizona has shifted its roster around and has named a new starting running back heading into their next game against the Dallas Cowboys, and Cardinals RB Bam Knight got the call.
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Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona running back Knight (20) runs against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
The Cardinals’ running game entered the 2025 NFL season with promise, only to watch it unravel as veteran starter James Conner had a season-ending injury. After Emari Demercado committed a catastrophic fumble on what should’ve been a touchdown, Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon has turned to Bam Knight to be the starting running back for Arizona heading into their Monday Night Football matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona running back Knight (20) runs against the Green Bay Packers during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Bam Knight is a 24-year-old who burst onto the scene and earned him starting snaps in Arizona’s offense. Knight’s usage jump gives the Cardinals an out-of-the-gate RB, rather than the committee mess that plagued the early weeks. Demercado’s error and subsequent demotion show the psychological dimension of a young player’s confidence eroded, and a coaching staff unwilling to risk repeat. For fans in Arizona, watching the offense stumble was draining. Knight’s emergence offers a glimmer of hope going forward. On the national level, this mirrors a trend that rebuilding teams trading away veterans or releasing them and turning to younger talent mid-season, and exploring trade options for big-ticket backs could pay off.
Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona running back Knight (20) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Cardinals know they still lack a true three-down back after Conner’s injury. The front office is reportedly eyeing heavy hitters in Breece Hall, Alvin Kamara, and Tony Pollard. Each of those stars have each been mentioned in trade-rumor circles as potential targets to pair with Knight as a change-of-pace running back. That kind of three-down workhorse, along with Knight’s talents, would elevate Arizona’s offense for years to come.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
