Michael Carter Scores His First Touchdown Of The Season
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter scored his first rushing touchdown of the season in the 47-24 win over the San Francisco 49ers. With running backs James Conner (knee) and Trey Benson (ankle) inactive for the season finale, Michael Carter stepped in as the starting running back and toted 17 carries for 43 yards. Carter was also active in the passing game, catching four passes for 16 yards. Carter showed some burst last season but struggled to get elevated off the practice squad in 2024. However, due to injuries at the top of the Cardinals' running back depth chart, Carter was elevated toward the end of the season and played with a lot of effort. The Cardinals' running game had another strong season in 2024, and Carter's contributions were a key part of that success.
Michael Carter Headed For Lead Role Again In Week 18
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter is expected to start in Week 18 against the San Francisco 49ers after James Conner (knee) and Trey Benson (ankle) were both placed on injured reserve. Conner had a minimal role last weekend due to injury, allowing Carter to handle an impressive 72 percent snap share. He thrived with the increased opportunities, rushing 13 times for 70 yards on the ground while adding two catches for another 11 yards through the air. He now has seven targets, seven catches, and 41 receiving yards over his last two contests. Not only is Carter's role favorable but so is his matchup. The 25-year-old is set to face off against the 49ers, who have allowed the 10th-most rushing yards, fourth-most rushing touchdowns, and seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2024. Carter ranks as a decent RB2 option heading into fantasy football for Week 18.
James Conner Placed On Injured Reserve, Michael Carter Promoted
According to the team, Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) was placed on Injured Reserve, which will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the 2024 season. In a corresponding move, Michael Carter was promoted to the active roster. Conner suffered a knee injury during their Week 16 loss to the Carolina Panthers and was listed as questionable leading up to their Week 17 tilt against the Rams. Conner was able to suit up in this contest but exited the game after just 12 offensive snaps. Conner ran the ball just four times for four yards and brought in two receptions for four yards. Rookie Trey Benson (ankle) is also on IR, which will leave DeeJay Dallas and now Carter as the lone backs for their final game. Carter saw the most work when Conner exited both games, which suggests he will be the lead option on Sunday afternoon.
Michael Carter Rushes For 70 Yards In The Week 17 Loss
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter recorded 70 rushing yards on 13 attempts in the 13-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Carter stepped in for starting running back James Conner (knee), who went down with a knee injury in the first quarter. Carter rushed the ball well and made a few plays in the passing game that helped keep the Cardinals' offense afloat. With Conner's absence, it looks like Carter will be the featured back moving forward, with the statuses of Conner and rookie Trey Benson still unknown. The Cardinals will host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18, and given that they are eliminated from playoff contention, it is reasonable to expect Carter to see more playing time next week, especially if Conner doesn't suit up.
With injuries ahead of him on the depth chart, Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter has a huge range of possibilities in Week 17 against the L.A. Rams that varies from remaining on the practice squad to being the team's starter. Both James Conner (knee) and Trey Benson (ankle) are questionable to play in the game, and with Arizona officially eliminated from playoff contention, the team doesn't have much incentive to rush two players under contract next year back into action now. Last week, Carter earned 10 touches after Conner's injury, five of which were catches. He holds some streaming appeal, particularly for managers relying upon Conner, but they'll have to check in before game time Saturday to see who is active for Arizona.
New York Jets defensive back Michael Carter III (ankle) was upgraded to a full participant during Tuesday's practice session. That is good news after Carter opened the week with a limited session, but he seems to be fine now. The 25-year-old has reportedly been playing through this ankle issue during the first two games of the season. If he suffers a setback, Brandin Echols is next on the depth chart, but Carter appears to be fine for now. The Jets secondary is a bit banged up with both Carter and D.J. Reed (knee) on the injury report heading into Thursday's game against the division-rival New England Patriots.
The Arizona Cardinals released running back Michael Carter on Tuesday. Carter was clinging to a roster spot behind James Conner, Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and DeeJay Dallas. Carter joined the Cardinals in the middle of the 2023 season and recorded 22 carries for 149 yards and no touchdowns in six games with the team. He was unlikely to factor into the offense in 2024 despite a solid preseason.
Arizona running back Michael Carter played a complementary role in the Cardinals' Week 17 triumph over the Eagles, rushing for 61 yards on seven carries. His impact extended to the passing game, where he caught a six-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, contributing to Arizona's comeback effort. As the backup to starter James Conner, Carter was the only other running back to record a rushing attempt. While he is expected to see ample playing time in Week 18, fantasy managers are advised to exercise caution and consider other options for starting lineups. Carter's involvement in the offense makes him a valuable depth piece, but the unpredictable workload continues to limit his fantasy reliability.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter made his team debut in Week 12 against the L.A. Rams less than two weeks after joining his new team. He appeared to be the No. 2 RB in the backfield behind incumbent James Conner and finished with just two fewer carries. In Week 15, Carter and the rest of the Arizona offense will face off against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers currently boast the league's best rush defense and also rank as the best defensive unit overall. While Carter could be somewhat utilized in the passing game due to his receiving skills, he's expected to be the usual primary backup to Conner and thus may receive limited work. Additionally, even though the possibility exists that the Cardinals could fall behind in the game and give their regulars some rest, Carter remains much too risky to start for fantasy purposes and currently only has value as an injury handcuff. As such, Carter should remain on the fantasy bench in Week 15.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter debuted in Week 12 against the L.A. Rams less than two weeks after joining his new team. He appeared to be the No. 2 RB in the backfield behind incumbent James Conner as he finished with just two fewer carries. In Week 13, Carter and the Arizona offense face off against a Pittsburgh defense allowing the seventh-fewest rushing yards per game to opposing running backs. With that in mind, the team could utilize Carter's passing-catching skills to help offset the defense and keep Conner healthy. As such, fantasy managers can view Carter as an RB3/4 with the potential to deliver some viable fantasy production.
Michael Carter
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Cardinals
