Trey Benson injury update: Could the Arizona Cardinals running back return for Week 10 after knee setback?

The Arizona Cardinals’ running game has been a source of uncertainty and concern for fans and analysts alike as they head into Week 10 of the NFL season. The primary reason for this uncertainty stems from the questionable status of starting running back Trey Benson, who has been dealing with a lingering injury that has kept him sidelined for the past few weeks.

Benson’s absence has forced the Cardinals to rely on a committee approach at the running back position, with Bam Knight, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter all seeing time in the backfield. However, none of these backs have been able to consistently produce at the level that Benson did before his injury, leaving the team without a true go-to option in the running game.

If Benson is unable to return for Week 10, the burden will once again fall on Demercado to lead the backfield. Demercado, a second-year player out of Texas A&M, has shown flashes of potential in limited action this season but has yet to prove that he can handle a full workload as the team’s primary ball carrier.

Despite his lack of experience, Demercado has the physical tools to be a successful running back in the NFL. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing in at 220 pounds, he has the size and strength to run between the tackles and break tackles at the second level. He also possesses above-average speed and agility for a player of his size, making him a threat to break off big runs whenever he gets into the open field.

However, Demercado’s lack of experience and inconsistency in pass protection have been concerns for the coaching staff, who have been hesitant to fully commit to him as the team’s featured back. In his limited opportunities this season, Demercado has struggled to pick up blitzes and has had issues with ball security, putting his quarterback at risk and costing the team valuable field position.

Despite these concerns, Demercado has shown a willingness to learn and improve in these areas, working closely with the coaching staff and veteran players to refine his skills and become a more well-rounded player. He has spent extra time in the film room studying opponents’ defensive schemes and tendencies, as well as working on his footwork and technique in practice to become a more reliable blocker and pass catcher out of the backfield.

In addition to his work ethic and determination, Demercado also possesses a natural instinct for the game that can’t be taught. He has a knack for finding running lanes and making defenders miss in the open field, using his vision and agility to create big plays out of seemingly routine runs. His ability to make defenders miss in space and break off chunk plays has made him a valuable asset to the Cardinals’ offense, even in a limited role.

Despite his potential, however, Demercado will need to show significant improvement in his pass protection and ball security if he hopes to become the team’s long-term solution at the running back position. The Cardinals’ coaching staff has made it clear that they value consistency and reliability in their players, especially at a position as crucial as running back, and Demercado will need to prove that he can be trusted in all facets of the game in order to earn their full confidence.

In the meantime, the Cardinals will continue to monitor Benson’s status leading up to Week 10, hoping that he will be able to return to the lineup and provide a much-needed spark to the running game. Benson, who was off to a strong start before his injury, has the potential to be a game-changer for the offense, with his combination of power, speed, and versatility making him a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

If Benson is able to return to the lineup, he will likely regain his role as the team’s primary ball carrier, with Demercado and Knight serving as complementary pieces in the backfield. This three-headed monster could give opposing defenses fits, with each back bringing a unique skill set to the table and forcing defenses to account for multiple threats on every play.

However, if Benson is unable to play in Week 10, the Cardinals will once again turn to Demercado to lead the running game. With his combination of size, speed, and agility, Demercado has the potential to be a difference-maker for the offense, provided that he can continue to improve in the areas where he has struggled in the past.

In conclusion, the uncertainty surrounding the Arizona Cardinals’ running game heading into Week 10 is a cause for concern, but also an opportunity for Emari Demercado to prove himself as a viable option at the position. With Trey Benson’s status still up in the air, Demercado will need to step up and show that he can be a reliable and consistent performer for the team, both as a runner and as a blocker in pass protection.

If he is able to rise to the occasion and demonstrate that he has what it takes to be a starting running back in the NFL, Demercado could be the answer to the Cardinals’ running game woes and provide a much-needed boost to the offense. It will be up to him to seize this opportunity and make the most of it, cementing his place in the team’s plans for the future and proving that he belongs among the league’s elite running backs. Only time will tell if he is up to the challenge, but one thing is for certain – all eyes will be on Emari Demercado as the Cardinals take the field in Week 10.

Read full article

Source: The Times of India