As it turns out, the Cowboys No. 3 running back wasn’t on the roster all along. The team decided to cut all three of its likely candidates to back up Javonte Williams and Malik Davis, and instead opted for Emari Demercado, who was claimed off waivers Monday afternoon.
Demercado, a three-year veteran, has spent his first three years with the Cardinals, but joined the Chiefs in the offseason. He was recently cut by Kansas City on Sunday.
Demercado reunites with Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, who served as Arizona’s offensive line coach for his first two years in the league (2023-24). He is also familiar with the area, having played at TCU.
A big-play runner, Demercado owns a 6.5-yard average for his career, rushing for 819 yards on 126 carries, along with three touchdowns. However, his most memorable play occurred on a 55-yard run to the end zone in which he dropped the ball before the goal line, resulting in a sideline altercation with then-Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon. Overall, Demercado still has a career-long run of 71 yards and has touchdown scores of 53 and 49 yards, showcasing his big-play ability.