With yet another running back landing on injured reserve, the Arizona Cardinals are once again adjusting their backfield heading into Week 16. This time, it's Bam Knight who's been sidelined with an ankle injury, ending his season prematurely. He joins Trey Benson and James Conner on the shelf, making it a tough year for the Cardinals' running back room in terms of health and continuity.
That leaves head coach Jonathan Gannon with a decision to make - and he didn’t hesitate. Gannon confirmed Friday that Michael Carter will get the start on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. It’s a logical choice, and one that reflects both Carter’s experience and his recent performance.
Carter stepped in after Knight went down in Week 15 and made the most of his opportunity. He carried the ball 14 times for 56 yards and added four receptions for 38 yards - a well-rounded showing that demonstrated his ability to contribute in both phases of the offense. It was the kind of performance that reminded fans why Carter has been a trusted option in the past, particularly during the final stretch of last season when he served as the lead back over the last two games of the 2024 campaign.
This week, the Cardinals will need Carter to shoulder the load once again, and he’s shown he can handle it. His Week 15 outing ranked him as RB19 overall, a strong flex-level performance in most fantasy formats.
And if you’re looking for a bit of recent history to lean on, Carter finished as RB8 overall during his two starts at the end of last season. That’s not just serviceable - that’s production you can build a game plan around.
The matchup against Atlanta adds another layer of intrigue. The Falcons have given up the 14th-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, which puts Carter in a favorable position to deliver again. He’s not just a fill-in - he’s a legitimate option who can contribute on the ground and through the air, especially in a game where the Cardinals will likely need to control the tempo and keep their offense on the field.
With the Cardinals’ backfield thinned out and Carter stepping into a familiar role, all signs point to him being the guy in Week 16. Whether you're watching from the stands, the couch, or managing your fantasy lineup, Carter is a name to keep an eye on this Sunday.