Cardinals' Harrison Jr., Demercado ruled out against Jaguars; Benson opens practice window

The Arizona Cardinals will face the Jacksonville Jaguars without key players Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emari Demercado due to injury concerns.

Why it matters: The absence of Harrison and Demercado significantly impacts the Cardinals’ offensive strategy as they prepare to take on a formidable Jaguars defense.

  • Harrison, a promising wide receiver, is recovering from appendicitis surgery, which he underwent on November 10th. This marks his second consecutive game missed due to this condition.
  • Demercado's ankle sprain adds further strain to an already challenged backfield, limiting the Cardinals' offensive options against Jacksonville.

What’s new: The Cardinals have opened a 21-day practice window for running back Trey Benson, who has been on injured reserve since October 1 due to meniscus surgery.

  • Coach Jonathan Gannon noted that Benson's eventual activation depends on his readiness: "I want to see that Benson is mentally and physically ready to go."
  • This development introduces a glimmer of hope for the Cardinals' rushing attack, which may need Benson’s skills against a well-rounded Jaguars defense.

Yes, but: While the return of Benson could bolster the run game, the team must navigate the uncertainty surrounding his health.

  • The Cardinals will take a cautious approach, evaluating Benson day by day before making any decisions regarding his activation.
  • His performance in practice will be crucial; if he can demonstrate readiness, he could provide a much-needed spark.

What to watch: The effectiveness of the Cardinals' offense without Harrison and Demercado will be critical in determining their competitive edge against Jacksonville.

  • Without these two players, Arizona may lean more heavily on its remaining receiver corps and tight ends.
  • This shift could necessitate adjustments in their schemes, possibly moving towards a more conservative play-calling strategy to mitigate risk.

The bottom line: With injuries sidelining key contributors, the Cardinals face an uphill battle against the Jaguars.

  • Their ability to adapt and find production from other players will be essential if they hope to remain competitive.
  • As the situation evolves, all eyes will be on how effectively the coaching staff can navigate these challenges while fostering the development of younger talents.
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Cardinals' Harrison Jr., Demercado ruled out against Jaguars; Benson opens practice window