New Dallas Cowboys RB Emari Demercado Jersey Number Revealed at First Practice

The Dallas Cowboys announced their initial 53-man roster over the weekend, ahead of the league's roster cut deadline. But Dallas wasn't done making moves just yet.

On Monday afternoon, the Cowboys submitted a waiver claim on former Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs running back Emari Demercado. In order to make room for Demercado, the Cowboys parted ways with backup quarterback Joe Milton III.

Less than 24 hours later, Demercado was suited up for the Cowboys and on the practice field for the first time as the team held an early morning practice to beat the Texas heat.

When Mercado pulled up to the field, he was rocking his new jersey number that was a bit of a blast from the past.

Emari Demarcado's Klayton Adams Reunion Comes With Familiar Number

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado during training camp at State Farm Stadium | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Demercado, who is familiar with Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, who he played under during his time with the Arizona Cardinals, wore the No. 31 jersey during his time in Glendale.

During his brief tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs, Demercado wore No. 25, but now he is back to the No. 31 in Dallas. Cowboys beat writers were quick to share a first look at Demercado in his Cowboys threads on social media.

New Cowboys RB Emari Demercado pic.twitter.com/IZJ7s8yZXh
— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) September 1, 2026

Now that we know what jersey number Demercado will be wearing when he steps onto the field in Big D, let's hope he brings the production. The last time Demercado took the field at AT&T Stadium, which came in a 27-17 win for the Cardinals over the Cowboys, he carried the ball 14 times for 79 yards.

Demarcado finished the season with 312 yards in 13 games, while adding 13 catches for 101 yards and a touchdown. Throughout his time in Arizona, Demercado has rushed for 819 yards and three touchdowns in 40 appearances, including a career-long 71-yard run.

What Does Demercado Bring To Dallas?

Kansas City Chiefs running back Emari Demercado runs the ball during training camp at Missouri Western State University. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

After the 53-man roster cutdown, the Cowboys had just two running backs on the roster: Javonte Williams and Malik Davis, along with fullback Hunter Luepke. Dallas waived second-year running backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, so they were in desperate need of depth.

Demercado provides just that, including some big play potential. He had nine runs of more than 10 yards during the 2025 campaign, on just 44 attempts. Dallas' backups, meanwhile, totaled just 10 runs of more than 10 yards over 110 attempts.

Demercado averaged 9.3 yards and 7.1 yards per carry over the past two seasons, respectively.

Along with his ability to break a big run, Demercado brings some added value as a pass blocker, which is something the team values. And thanks to his familiarity with Klayton Adams, he should be up to speed sooner rather than later when it comes to learning the blocking schemes.

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