Cardinals Face Injury Challenges Ahead of Jaguars Game

The Arizona Cardinals are facing significant injury challenges as they prepare to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars. Key players, including wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and running back Emari Demercado, have been ruled out for the upcoming game.

Harrison is missing his second consecutive game following appendix surgery, while Demercado suffered a high-ankle sprain during last week's contest against the San Francisco 49ers. According to Deadspin, Harrison has been an essential part of the offense this season, with 34 catches for 525 yards and four touchdowns across nine games.

On the other hand, Demercado has contributed 241 rushing yards and a touchdown over nine games, emphasizing his role in the backfield. This injury situation has forced the Cardinals to rely heavily on their passing game.

Last week, quarterback Jacobi Brissett set a new NFL record for the most pass completions in a regular-season game, throwing for an impressive 457 yards. However, the team's rushing performance has plummeted, with Demercado's injury further limiting their options.

Revenge of the Birds reports that the Cardinals' rushing attack has struggled, netting only 36 yards on 14 carries against the 49ers, with Demercado contributing just eight yards before leaving the game.

With Demercado sidelined, Bam Knight is expected to take over the starting running back role, alongside Michael Carter. The Cardinals also hope to activate Trey Benson from injured reserve, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his meniscus earlier this month.

Benson has been out since October 1st, but coach Jonathan Gannon mentioned that he would be evaluated on a day-by-day basis leading up to the game against the Jaguars. In addition, the team has signed punter Matt Haack to fill the position after releasing Pat O'Donnell.

This series of injuries has forced the Cardinals into a one-dimensional offensive strategy, likely increasing the pressure on Brissett to deliver once again. As they prepare for the Jaguars, who currently hold a record of 6-4, the Cardinals' ability to adapt without key players will be critical to their performance on Sunday.

With both Harrison and Demercado unavailable, the Cardinals must find a way to compensate for their absence against a formidable Jaguars team.