Cowboys Waive Emari Demercado Again, Opening 53-Man Roster Spot Ahead of Cardinals Matchup
Second Release This Season Creates Roster Flexibility
The Dallas Cowboys have waived running back Emari Demercado for the second time during the 2024 season, a move announced Tuesday that opens a spot on the 53-man roster with potential implications for the upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals. While Demercado’s individual production was modest—15 yards on five carries across two appearances—the transaction signals Dallas’ intent to adjust its backfield depth or activate a player from injured reserve.
Demercado’s Brief Cowboys Tenure
Demercado, originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cardinals in 2023, spent time on Arizona’s practice squad before joining Dallas’ active roster earlier this year. His two-game sample yielded a 3.0-yard-per-carry average, but the Cowboys’ decision to cut him twice in one season underscores the fluid nature of the NFL’s bottom-of-roster running back market. The 25-year-old cleared waivers the first time and reverted to Dallas’ practice squad; whether he does so again remains to be seen.
Roster Spot Points to Potential IR Activation
The open roster spot immediately fuels speculation about the return of Deuce Vaughn or Hunter Luepke, both of whom have spent time on injured reserve this season. Head coach Mike McCarthy has not publicly tipped his hand, and no corresponding move—such as an activation or external signing—was announced alongside Demercado’s release. The timing, however, aligns with the 21-day practice window for players designated to return from IR, suggesting a decision could come later this week.
Vaughn’s Explosive Upside vs. Luepke’s Versatility
Vaughn, a 2023 sixth-round pick, offers home-run speed but has been limited to 23 offensive snaps this year. Luepke, a converted fullback, provides special-teams value and short-yardage reliability. Either addition would give offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer a different dimension behind starter Rico Dowdle and change-of-pace back Ezekiel Elliott.
Cardinals Matchup Adds Context
Dallas faces Arizona this Sunday, a reunion game for Demercado and a contest where the Cowboys’ run game could be pivotal. The Cardinals rank in the bottom third of the league in yards per carry allowed, presenting an opportunity for Dallas to establish the ground game early. Having a fresh backfield option—whether Vaughn, Luepke, or a practice-squad elevation—could help exploit that weakness.
What Comes Next
The Cowboys have until 4 p.m. ET Saturday to finalize their game-day roster. Options include:
- Activating Vaughn or Luepke from injured reserve
- Signing a free-agent running back (veterans such as D’Onta Foreman or Kareem Hunt remain available)
- Elevating a practice-squad back (Demercado himself, if he clears waivers again)
- Carrying only three running backs and using the spot elsewhere
“Roster management at this time of year is about maximizing flexibility for the stretch run,” said a league source familiar with Dallas’ personnel philosophy. “Cutting a player you’ve already cut once tells you they’re prioritizing a specific need over continuity at the bottom of the depth chart.”
Bottom Line
Demercado’s release is a low-profile move with high-profile timing. The Cowboys have created optionality at a position where depth has been tested all season. Whether that optionality translates to a splash activation or a quiet practice-squad shuffle will become clear in the next 48 hours—well before kickoff in Glendale.
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