Cardinals' Emari Demercado: Getting plenty of first-team reps

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Demercado has frequently subbed in for James Conner with the first-team offense during training camp, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports.

Michael Carter has taken most of the second-team reps, with 2024 third-round pick Trey Benson coming in behind Carter. There's still time for Benson to make his move, but this is at least a reminder that Demercado is in good position for a roster spot, and potentially a regular role in passing situations. Demercado made the team as an undrafted rookie last year and ended up starting two games Weeks 7-8, taking 38 touches for 154 yards. He then missed three game with a toe injury and got most of his playing time in obvious passing situations once he returned, while Conner put up big numbers as Arizona's workhorse runner down the stretch. Demercado was never the lead back in five seasons at TCU and is already 25 years old, but his physical tools seem up to snuff, considering he ran a 4.44 40-yard dash (at 213 pounds) at his pro day last spring.