Is Emari Demercado Viable Fantasy Football Option?

ARIZONA -- The Arizona Cardinals will be without the talents of James Conner for at least two more weeks while he rests on injured reserve with a knee injury.

The Cardinals were one of the league's top rushing attacks with Conner in the backfield, though their overall production has shifted drastically since his departure.

In his first week of absence, it was Keaontay Ingram who took majority of the snaps.

Last week, it was Emari Demercado, who many initially believed to be the guy when Conner was officially placed on IR.

Demercado - rostered in just 16% of ESPN leagues - is again a popular waiver wire pickup by numerous outlets:

The Athletic

Jake Ciely: "He’s back? Demercado was second only to Kenneth Walker for RBTouch% in Week 7 (94.4). The Cardinals backfield is strange after seeing Keaontay Ingram lead in value and touches in Week 6. Demercado is the top option again, but he’s no more than an RB3 given the risk."

Sporting News

Matt Lutovsky: "Demercado was a waiver-wire darling heading into Week 6, but after a two-carry outing against the Rams, he was almost universally dropped. Fast forward another week and Demercado is apparently Arizona's lead back again, rushing 13 times for 58 yards and adding another 17 receiving yards on four catches against the Seahawks. Even more notable was the lack of touches for Keaontay Ingram (0) and Damien Williams (1).

"It's anyone's guess as to who will lead the backfield in Week 8 against the Ravens, but Demercado has to be considered the leader. He's worth adding as a potential flex on the chance he sees another 15-plus touches."

Pro Football Network

Jason Katz: "I guess the Cardinals just like to mess with fantasy managers. Two weeks ago, when James Conner went down, it was Emari Demercardo as the lead back. Everyone rushed to grab him off the waiver wire. Then, he barely touched the ball the following week as Keaontay Ingram was the lead back. So, fantasy managers understandably dropped Demercado.

"Now, Demercado is back on the menu. He saw 13 carries and five targets against the Seahawks. Ingram exclusively played on special teams — he did not play a single offensive snap.

"I certainly do not trust Demercado. But Conner is out for at least another two weeks. Running backs are hard to come by. I would not trust him in Week 8 lineups, but he’s worth picking up."