Two important players of the Arizona Cardinals will miss the Sunday game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and running back Emari Demercado, are officially out of the game because of an injury. This two-fold strike is timely to the cause of the Arizona offense that has been gaining momentum in the two recent weeks, courtesy of the breakout performances of Jacoby Brissett under center.
The Cardinals’ first-round player, Harrison Jr. has taken centre stage in the passing game, topping the club with 525 receiving yards and four touchdowns in nine games. Unfortunately, a recent appendicitis diagnosis required surgery, and this forced the talented young receiver off the field which would have been his best chance to continue on his current hot streak. His loss causes a gap in the Arizona aerial attack, particularly since Marvin Harrison Jr. was only beginning to hit his stride, locating the end zone in three straight games before he was injured.
Cardinals already have ruled out WR Marvin Harrison Jr. and RB Emari Demercado for Sunday’s game vs. the Jaguars.
They also opened the 21-day practice window for RB Trey Benson.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 19, 2025
The loss of Emari Demercado further denies Arizona any flexibility on the offensive side. Considering the fact that the usual starter, Trey Benson, is already on the injured reserve and James Conner has been sidelined permanently, the running game of the Cardinals will depend on fill-ins and backup players. Hopefully, we see Trey Benson back on the field sooner rather than later. Demercado demonstrated signs of playmaking earlier in the season, which could be used as a complementary skill set to the running attack- a commodity that the Cardinals will definitely miss to counter a Jaguars front seven that is known to be highly physical.
Emari Demercado against Bengals
Emari Demercado against the Bengals after taking over for the injured James Conner
Arizona Cardinals Secondary Receivers
Their unavailability will compel Brissett and the Cardinals to further depend on the secondary receivers such as Michael Wilson, who must be picked up on the waiver wire, in addition to tight end Trey McBride, who has become one of the favorite safety valves of Brissett since he assumed the position of the starter. It is a tough predicament because an offense that is already struggling with injuries all over the board and seeking some consistency in what has become a transitional season.
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As Arizona enters the Sunday contest, the fans of the Cardinals can look forward to some changes in the offense and even providing the lesser-known participants with more chances. However, it is undeniable, with the loss of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emari Demercado, Brissett and the rest of the playmakers are under additional pressure in order to keep Arizona in playoff contention with a Jaguars team that is desperate to make the playoffs.
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