GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals running back room has been decimated to start the 2025 season. Two-time Pro Bowler James Conner out for the year, while backup Trey Benson was placed on injury reserve with no timetable on his return. Arizona will have to rely on its other guys to pick up the slack, which head Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing seem comfortable doing in Week 5 vs. Tennessee Titans.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Per a report by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the team plans on using third-string running back Emari Demercado still as the third-down back, with his prowess as a receiving back. This would leave Michael Carter and Bam Knight to be trading off first and second down carries in Sunday’s game.
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
Cardinals gameplan for Sunday:
Carter was recently signed to the 53-man roster, after Benson was placed on IR. The 26-year-old had been a part of the franchise for the past two seasons, before he was cut this past preseason in place for Knight. However, his return comes in the team’s desperate need. Carter’s familiarity with the Cardinals system could get him more reps than Knight, as the latter has been used strictly for kickoff returns.
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
Petzing’s scheme is very much run-heavy and relies on extra blockers to open up holes for the halfbacks. Despite the injuries, Carter and Demercado have been in Arizona’s offense for the entirety of Petzing’s stay in the organization and know the gameplan. Against a struggling Titans run defense, the Cardinals shouldn’t face much of a fall off in comparison to previous weeks.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
