Open Nav
Players
    Articles
      Shark Bites
        Show Navigation
        Show Menu
        FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

        Trey Benson, Michael Carter, and Emari Demercado in Battle for Cardinals RB2

        By Shane Hallam | Updated on Tue, Jul 30 2024 3:17 PM UTC
        Trey Benson Headshot

        Cardinals RBs Trey Benson, Michael Carter, and Emari Demercado are battling it out for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart. Demercado has been subbing in for James Conner during first-team work, while Benson and Carter have worked with the second team.

        What They're Saying

        Tyler Drake: "For those thinking the RB2 battle was firmly between Michael Carter and rookie Trey Benson, Emari Demercado has something to say.

        Throughout camp, Demercado has been a common occurrence subbing in for starter James Conner during first-team work.

        It’s only been one day of pads, but his pass-protecting ability, which earned him valuable playing time as a rookie, has been on display early on.

        Keeping Murray upright is crucial to a successful season, and it’s clear the Cardinals are liking what Demercado is bringing to the table so far.

        Behind Conner and Demercado, Carter got first crack at second-team reps, with rookie Trey Benson subbing in for the veteran."

        2024 Fantasy Football Impact

        This isn't great news for the rookie Benson who appears to be behind in the early depth chart of RBs.

        Demercado is often the forgotten man in the backfield, but he has gotten recent work with the first team behind James Conner.

        The RB2 for the Cardinals is a key position with Conner's injury history. We project Conner to miss 2.80 games this season.

        Dynasty Impact

        Benson is a highly valued rookie after being drafted by the Cardinals in the third round of the NFL Draft, but needs to play catch-up throughout training camp to earn that back-up job.

        If Benson can't pass Carter and Demercado early this year, it spells some long term issues on Benson's talent and how the coaching staff views him.

        There is a long way to go, but it is a situation worth monitoring.

        Shane Hallam Author Image
        Shane Hallam, Writer
        Shane has over 20 years of experience creating content and playing every fantasy football format including redraft, dynasty, devy, C2C, IDP, CFF, and more. He is a multi-year winner of $500 dynasty leagues on the FFPC, and a King's Classic Champion. Shane utilizes deep film and scheme study to enhance his fantasy performance.
        Premium Content Premium ContentCould Michael Penix Make The Falcons A Must-Draft Offense?

        Could Michael Penix Make The Falcons A Must-Draft Offense?

        8:38pm UTC 6/30/25

        A loaded supporting cast, improved QB play, and offensive continuity set the stage for Atlanta to deliver serious fantasy value in 2025.

        Read More »
        Video: Draft These WRs. Win Your League.

        Video: Draft These WRs. Win Your League.

        2:20pm UTC 6/30/25

        We’re breaking down the top three tiers of our WR rankings, including studs you can trust, stars you should fade, and breakout picks that Jared and Matt can’t agree on.

        Read More »
        2026 NFL Mock Draft Seven Rounds: Get the Edge Before Everyone Else

        2026 NFL Mock Draft Seven Rounds: Get the Edge Before Everyone Else

        12:00pm UTC 6/30/25

        The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to make a BIG impact -- especially at QB. But will your future picks lose their shine if the skill positions flop?

        Read More »
        Compare Plans » Compare Plans »