Fantasy Football News

Jesse Newell of The Athletic calls Chiefs RB Emmett Johnson an early training camp "faller." Here's more from Newell. “The Chiefs were thrilled to get Emmett Johnson in the fifth round of April’s draft, and I’d think his long-term prospects with the team remain unchanged. But as of now … he’s been a clear fourth in the running back pecking order in practices, behind both Brashard Smith and Emari Demercado [plus starter Kenneth Walker].”

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson in Round 5 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Johnson’s college path wasn’t linear. He arrived as an overlooked recruit, redshirted, and then climbed past veteran competition before losing touches in 2024. Even in a split backfield, his receiving stood out, culminating in a 39-catch season that foreshadowed a larger role. When Nebraska committed fully in 2025, Johnson responded with 1,451 rushing yards and a class-high 46 receptions. Among the 20 RBs invited to the NFL Combine, Johnson ranked first in 2025 rushing market share (82.4%), and 15th in yards after contact per attempt (2.95). He ranked fourth in 2025 missed tackles forced per attempt (0.27) and sixth in receiving yards per route run (1.27). He is currently 22 years old.

The Cardinals placed RB Bam Knight on IR with the ankle injury suffered in Sunday's loss to the Texans. He's the third Arizona RB to be lost for the season, following James Conner and Trey Benson. The backfield is now down to Michael Carter and Emari Demercado. Carter dominated work in Houston, tallying 14 carries and four targets to Demercado's one carry and three targets. We're expecting Demercado to be a bit more involved the rest of the way, but Carter is the far superior fantasy bet. And he gets nice matchups the next two weeks vs. the Falcons (19th vs. RBs) and Bengals (32nd).

Cardinals RB Bam Knight suffered a "bad" ankle sprain in Sunday's loss to the Texans, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Knight is undergoing an MRI to get a better look at the damage. But he's "unlikely" to play vs. the Falcons this weekend, per Schefter. And it seems like there's a chance he misses the rest of the season. Knight's absence will leave Michael Carter as Arizona's lead back, with Emari Demercado in a change-of-pace, pass-catching role. Carter will be a viable RB3 or Flex in Week 16 fantasy lineups.

Cardinals RB Bam Knight hurt an ankle in the first quarter of Sunday's game vs. the Texans and was carted back to the locker room. He's officially questionable to return, but we'd be surprised if we saw him back out there today. Knight's absence leaves Arizona with RBs Michael Carter and Emari Demercado.

Update: Knight has been ruled out.

Cardinals RB Emari Demercado (ankle) is expected to play vs. the Texans today, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Demercado isn't a fantasy option but figures to steal some work, particularly on passing downs, from RBs Bam Knight and Michael Carter. Try to avoid Arizona's backfield in Week 15 fantasy lineups.

Cardinals RB Trey Benson (knee) did not practice on Wednesday. He was limited last Wednesday before missing the final two practices of the week, so it sure looks like he suffered a setback. Don't bank on Benson playing vs. the Rams this weekend. His absence would again leave Bam Knight as Arizona's lead back, with Michael Carter and potentially Emari Demercado, who was limited on Wednesday, handling passing downs.

Cardinals RB Zonovan Knight (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game vs. the Buccaneers. We're expecting him to play after a limited week of practice but will look for further updates on his status. RBs Trey Benson (knee) and Emari Demercado (ankle) have already been ruled out for Week 13.

Cardinals RB Trey Benson (knee) is out for this weekend's game vs. the Buccaneers. He went from a limited practice on Wednesday to no practice on Thursday, so Benson might have suffered a setback. With RB Emari Demercado (ankle) also likely to miss Week 13, Arizona will again be left with RBs Zonovan Knight and Michael Carter. Knight is the better bet for carries, but Carter figures to handle most of the passing-down work. Neither is a great fantasy option against a stout Tampa Bay run defense.

Cardinals RB Trey Benson (knee) remained limited in Wednesday's practice. He should be nearing a return at this point, but it's still unclear if that'll come vs. the Buccaneers this weekend. RB Emari Demercado (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday.

Cardinals RB Trey Benson (knee) is out for Sunday’s game vs. the Jaguars. He was designated to return from IR and put in three limited practices this week, so Benson should have a chance to play in Week 13. RB Emari Demercado (ankle) has been ruled out for the Jaguars game, leaving Bam Knight and Michael Carter as Arizona’s top two RBs.

Cardinals RB Trey Benson (knee) has been designated to return from IR. That means he'll practice this week, although it's still unclear if Benson will play vs. the Jaguars this weekend. HC Johnathan Gannon said Wednesday that Benson will be evaluated "day by day" this week. We'll keep you updated on his status. Benson should take over as Arizona's lead back once he's cleared to play. RB Emari Demercado (ankle) has been ruled out for Week 12.

Update: Benson was limited in Wednesday's practice.

Cardinals RB Emari Demercado suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 11 loss to the 49ers and will "likely" miss Sunday's game vs. the Jaguars, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Demercado will probably miss more time beyond that and can be dropped from fantasy rosters. RB Michael Carter stepped into Demercado's change-of-pace, pass-catching role vs. San Francisco last week, with RB Zonovan Knight handling most of the early-down work. Expect to see that arrangement against Jacksonville, assuming RB Trey Benson remains out.

Cardinals RB Bam Knight (ankle) is active for today’s game vs. the 49ers. We’re expecting him to lead the backfield in carries, but RB Emari Demercado is a threat to steal work. Avoid this backfield in fantasy lineups if possible.

Cardinals RB Bam Knight (ankle) is expected to play vs. the 49ers today, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Knight got in three limited practices this week. We're projecting him to lead Arizona in carries today, but this has been a difficult backfield to peg since RBs James Conner and Trey Benson went down.

Cardinals RB Bam Knight (ankle) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game vs. the 49ers. We’re tentatively expecting Knight to play but will look for updates on his status. Knight remained ahead of Emari Demercado as Arizona’s lead back before going down last week.

Cardinals RB Bam Knight (ankle) got in a limited practice on Wednesday. He was operating as Arizona's lead back before exiting last week's game, but he mustered just 28 yards on 10 carries. This remains a backfield to try to avoid until RB Trey Benson returns.

RB Emari Demercado led the Cardinals in rushing yards for the second straight week in Sunday's loss to Seattle. But nearly all of his ground production came on a single 55-yard run early in the fourth quarter of the blowout defeat. Demercado logged just four total carries, trailing Bam Knight's team lead (10) and leading Michael Carter by just one. WR Greg Dortch scored the team's only rushing TD, from 4 yards out in the second quarter.