The Arizona Cardinals played their first game without running back James Conner, and head coach Jonathan Gannon said the performance from the running backs was positive despite a late-game deficit affecting snap counts.
Trey Benson, now the starting running back, participated in 37 of 67 offensive snaps. He recorded 13 touches for a total of 54 yards. Emari Demercado, who has returned to his third-down role after previously filling in for Conner, played 26 snaps and caught a touchdown pass. Michael Carter, called up from the practice squad, saw action on four snaps while Bam Knight contributed only on special teams.
“I thought Trey played well,” Gannon said Friday after reviewing the game film. “There were some dirty yards in there, he had the one explosive, I thought he was good in the pass game. He put the ball where it needed to go. Emari got in and made some plays. The way the game went, Mike didn’t play a ton. Emari played a decent amount because we were in known pass there. I was pleased with those guys. They have some things to correct in both the run and pass game, but nothing we can’t fix.”
Due to a reduced focus on running plays during the game, wide receiver Greg Dortch logged a season-high 43 snaps. Tight ends other than Trey McBride saw limited action; Tip Reiman had six snaps—the fewest of his career—and Elijah Higgins played nine snaps, his lowest since Week 11 of his rookie year in 2023.
On defense, Budda Baker was the only player to be on the field for all 65 defensive snaps this season. Safety Jalen Thompson missed one play while linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. and cornerback Max Melton each missed two.
