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, the story went on to say, but Demercado's pass-protecting ability, which earned him valuable playing time as a rookie, has been on display early on. The story went on to say 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. It went on to say behind Conner and Demercado, Carter got first crack at second-team reps, with rookie Trey Benson subbing in for the veteran. Given the draft capital the team paid for Benson, it should only be a matter of time before he starts to make a move up the depth chart.

The Cardinals have activated RB James Conner for Sunday’s game against the Falcons.

The Cardinals now have two of their biggest playmakers back for Sunday as quarterback Kyler Murray is also returning. Conner gives the Cardinals a huge boost in the running game, especially with Emari Demercado also injured. Conner should be plenty of touches as a result and should be considered as an RB2 this week.

Cardinals OL Trystan Colon and RB Emari Demercado are OUT against the Falcons.

James Conner, D.J. Humphries, Will Hernandez and Michael Wilson are among those listed as questionable.

Related Players: Keaontay Ingram,

The Cardinals backfield has been mostly uninspiring since Conner went down in Week 5, so this is good news for the team and fantasy managers alike. We could see a Conner-Kyler Murray pairing as early as this week, and if Conner is floating around a waiver wire for whatever reason, he needs to be added ASAP.

The Cardinals have waived RB Tony Jones from the 53-man roster.

Perhaps a sign that James Conner will be activated to the 53-man roster in time for Sunday's game after returning to practice this week.

Related Players: Keaontay Ingram, Emari Demercado

The Cardinals backfield has been mostly uninspiring since Conner went down in Week 5, so this is good news for the team and fantasy managers alike. We could see a Conner-Kyler Murray pairing as early as this week and if Conner is floating around a waiver wire for whatever reason, he needs to be added ASAP.

Cardinals officially designated RB James Conner to return from the injured reserve list. Conner can begin practicing today, and the team can activate him to the 53-man roster any time during the next 21 days.

Related Players: Keaontay Ingram, Emari Demercado

The Cardinals backfield has been mostly uninspiring since Conner went down in Week 5, so this is good news for the team and fantasy managers alike. We could see a Conner-Kyler Murray pairing as early as next week and if Conner is floating around a waiver wire for whatever reason, he needs to be added ASAP.

The Arizona Cardinals hope to open the practice window for running back James Conner, who has missed the past four games due to a knee injury and is now eligible to return off the injured reserve list, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“He’s doing well,” Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon said Monday. “He’ll ramp up and we’ll see how he does. Hopefully, we’ll get him out there, too,”

Opening Conner’s practice window this week would give him a 21-day designated to return period to work with his teammates before Arizona would be required to activate him to fill a roster spot or shut him down, the story said. The team is also looking to start QB Kyler Murray this week. Before going down with the injury, Conner had racked up 68 carries for 364 yards (5.4 yards per carry) and two touchdowns through five starts. He added 30 more yards on eight catches, the story said.

The Cardinals are placing RB James Conner (knee) on injured reserve, per source. He’s out at least four games.

Related players: Keaontay Ingram, Emari Demercado, Corey Clement, Tony Jones

As we reported all this week so far, any missed games from Conner could mean is Demercado Season. Ingram has missed the last couple of contests with his own injury, and when Conner went down last week, Demercado took over the lead role at running back - and even scored a touchdown. He's not necessarily a safe fantasy play, but in deeper leagues you may be able to at least count on his workload. The Cardinals travel to play the Rams which are among the better teams in rushing defense.

Cardinals’ RB James Conner is expected to miss multiple weeks with the knee injury he suffered Sunday vs. the Bengals.

Related players: Keaontay Ingram, Emari Demercado, Corey Clement, Tony Jones

Schefter went on to say Conner is now a candidate to be placed on injured reserve, per sources, which would mean he'll miss at least the next four games. After Conner left the game, Demercado took over the RB duties and will likely do so again with Conner out. Ingram is still dealing with a neck injury and has missed two-straight games and his status is unknown at this point for Week 6. The team did sign Jones but it looks like Demercado could be the RB1 at least in the short term. There's a very good chance Demercado is on your wire outside of deeper and dynasty leagues and could at least make for a usable fill-in at the running back spot.

Cardinals running back James Conner injured his knee in Sunday’s loss to the Bengals, playing only 12 snaps.

“I’m not quite sure yet, but it looks like [Conner could miss] a little bit of time,” Gannon told Arizona Sports on Monday. “We’re still working through that. James will be back at some point but honestly just wanted to add another back for some depth there to make sure we’re OK there for practice and for the games.”

Related players: Tony Jones, Emari Demercado, Keaontay Ingram, Corey Clement

The Cardinals added running back Tony Jones Jr. off waivers from the Saints, a sign Conner could miss time with his injury, the story pointed out. With Ingram (neck) also injured, Demercado replaced Conner and accounted for 57 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 11 touches. Demercado could again be in line for more work if Conner has to miss time.

Cardinals have informed RB Eno Benjamin - who started for them when James Conner was hurt this season - that they are releasing him.

Related Players: Keaontay Ingram

Benjamin was on the field for exactly one offensive snap in Week 10 after converting his one target in 15 yards the week prior. Rookie sixth-rounder Keaontay Ingram has hardly been used any more than that, but he will operate as the immediate Conner backup for now.