The Arizona Cardinals released running back Michael Carter on Monday. This was a decision that seems to be at least partly rooted in the fact the team is expecting several players to return from injury ahead of the Monday Night Football Week 9 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 3.
Emari Demercado (who missed Week 7 against the Green Bay Packers with an ankle injury) and Bam Knight (who has accumulated 29 rushes for 102 yards and two touchdowns this season) are the remaining running backs on the active roster. D’Ernest Johnson and Jermar Jefferson are also on the team’s practice squad.
What’s Behind the Cardinals’ Decision To Release Michael Carter?
Carter was signed to the active roster on Sept. 29 precisely to cover for injuries to running backs. That is part of what makes his release surprising, considering Carter provided some solid production overall during his tenure.
In Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans, the versatile veteran posted 51 rushing yards and a TD while adding a 5-22-0 receiving line. However, the next two games represented a downturn, as he posted 16 carries for 45 yards and four catches for 55 yards on seven targets in that span.
It is important to note that Carter was part of a backfield that has struggled since losing James Conner to a season-ending ankle injury in Week 3 and following Trey Benson’s placement on injured reserve due to a meniscus injury he apparently suffered in a Week 4 loss to the Seahawks.
Additionally, with Kyler Murray sidelined the last two games due to a foot injury, the team has found more success through the pass via veteran backup Jacoby Brissett’s consistency and experience.
There were no official reasons provided by the Cardinals to explain Carter’s seemingly abrupt release. Still, one of the most likely factors is the imminent activation of rookie first-round pick Walter Nolen III.
The Ole Miss product suffered a calf injury during the offseason and is still waiting to make his season debut. Nolen’s eventual activation from the PUP list will require a spot on the active roster.
Cornerback Garrett Williams, who was placed on injured reserve with a knee issue before Week 3, does not yet have a clear return timetable. Williams was seen working on the open field before the start of the Cardinals’ bye week.
DB Darren Hall Also Released by the Cardinals
The Cardinals also released defensive back Darren Hall, who played in five games but received less than 10% of defensive snaps on a unit that currently ranks 20th in the PFSN Defense Impact metric with a 71.8 score.