MichaelCarter

News: 12 hours agoCarter reverted to the Cardinals' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Spin: Carter made his season debut Sunday in Carolina and ended the contest as Arizona's lead runner after James Conner suffered a knee injury. Overall, Carter played 25 of 70 offensive snaps in the overtime loss, recording five carries for 18 yards and a team-high five catches (on five targets) for 30 yards. DeeJay Dallas also got in the act with a one-yard TD reception on 16 plays. There hasn't been a definitive update on Conner's health, but with Emari Demercado (back) on injured reserve and Trey Benson (ankle) out Week 16, Carter could be a regular out of the Cardinals backfield this coming Sunday at the Rams.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Despite being labled the "heartbeat" of the team, the Jets cut Carter after Week 10 last season. Arizona scooped the North Carolina product off waivers and added him to the team's backfield just days later. Carter quickly leapfrogged Emari Demercado and emerged as James Conner's primary backup, recording 22 carries and nine catches between Weeks 12 and 18. Carter profiles as a complementary player and, with rookie Trey Benson now in the fold, is unlikely to take on a primary role, even if Conner were to be sidelined. He offers little upside to managers from a fantasy perspective.