In case you missed it, the Arizona Cardinals are having a chaotic season. At the opposite end of the spectrum, running back Michael Carter is experiencing a huge emotional high/low after going from the practice squad to active roster. Carter didn’t stick on the team’s initial 53-man roster, signing initially to the practice squad. He trained hard, preparing himself as if he were the starter, prepared to answer any summons to his number. On some level, his perseverance has paid off. Coach Jonathan Gannon just elevated him to the 53-man roster because injuries have taken out almost all of their key LBs.
Carter’s road to success hasn’t been entirely rosy. He considered retiring halfway through the previous season, uncertain whether he wanted to continue playing the game. “I don’t think about it anymore, but there was a time where I kind of was like, I don’t know, bro. Maybe I don’t got it,” he reflected on his past doubts. Since then, he has discovered a second wind and a recharging of his passion and resolve.
The Cardinals’ running back depth became more dubious with injuries sending nearly every Cardinals RB to the trainer’s table. Carter, along with Emari Demercado and Bam Knight, has given the team a three-headed monster that has only totaled 92 combined snaps this season. Despite this limited playing time, Carter accounted for 8.9% of Arizona’s snaps from running backs last season, showcasing his potential and readiness to rise to the occasion.
Coach Gannon expressed confidence in Carter’s ability to step up when needed, stating that “those guys have to step up and I know that they will.” He pointed out that even though the team is dealing with these challenges, their offensive approach won’t change, even in light of the injuries.
Carter’s commitment to his role was recognized when he donned Pat Tillman’s jersey as the practice player of the week and started in a subsequent game. He’s still living in the moment, hoping “to put my best foot forward every day. His resilience is no less remarkable, as he continues to drive himself through the valleys and peaks of his career.
Even Kyler Murray, the short-and-sweet team quarterback, has admitted the toll of injuries on the roster just hits different. It’s painful to miss any of them,” he told me. Murray has given his complete endorsement of Carter and of the whole RB room. He has faith they will meet this challenge. You never want to see any of your boys, teammates go out. But he’ll be back. We’ll be back,” he added.
Carter said he is thankful for the opportunities that have been given to him, especially as he gears up to play his former employer, the Tennessee Titans. “I hate that my opportunity to play came because of injuries,” he admitted, highlighting the bittersweet nature of his rise within the team. However, despite the disappointing outcome, he is grateful for the opportunity to play at such a high level.
Carter is a possible candidate to be the RB1 with the Arizona Cardinals. This is a pivotal point in his career. With injuries pushing other players into key positions, he is poised to take advantage of this chance.
“My chip on my shoulder is humongous,” Carter said fiercely. He’s hungry to show what he can do on the field and help in big ways as an offense in transition looks to establish itself again.
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