Michael Carter fantasy stock takes hit after Bam Knight update from NFL insider

Bryce Lazenby

Michael Carter fantasy stock takes hit after Bam Knight update from NFL insider image

The Arizona Cardinals have not had a fun last couple of weeks. 

After starting out 2-0 with wins over the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers, the Cardinals have lost three in a row. The worst of those losses came last weekend when a comedy of errors led to the team falling to the then-winless Tennessee Titans

Now, after that debacle, the Cardinals will have some notable changes on offense for Week 6. For starters, Jacoby Brissett will take over at quarterback as Kyler Murray nurses a foot injury. 

Additionally, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that running back Bam Knight will have a "more prominent role" with the offense this weekend. 

"It'll be Jacoby Brissett and Bam Knight going against the Indianapolis Colts as the Cardinals try to rebound from that difficult defeat last week," Schefter said

Last week, Knight rushed four times for 11 yards and one touchdown. Michael Carter, who got the start last week, struggled mightily and ended with 51 yards while averaging less than three yards per carry. 

Emari Demercado led the Cardinals in rushing yards with 81, but 71 of those yards came on one play in which Demercado had an easy touchdown if he didn't drop the ball before crossing the goal line

As a result, the Cardinals will go with Knight, and hope the former undrafted free agent provides some juice. No matter who is seeing the carries, the Cardinals desperately need better production out of the running back spot. 

Through five games, Murray is the team's leading rusher with 173 yards. With Murray out this weekend, even more pressure will be on the running backs to produce against the Colts. 

Last weekend was the first time Knight received carries in a regular season game since September 2023 as a member of the Detroit Lions. Knight saw the most action of his career in 2022, his rookie season, as a member of the New York Jets

That season, Knight rushed 85 times for 300 yards and one score. Since then, however, Knight has bounced around between practice squads and active rosters. 

With Knight starting, it means Carter is useless from a fantasy standpoint this week. The running back racked up 13.3 fantasy points in standard leagues last week, according to FantasyPros. The Cardinals like to use the running backs in the pass game as well, so Knight may be worth a flex start if you're desperate. 

The Cardinals and Colts will kick off from Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET. 

Bryce Lazenby

Bryce Lazenby got his start in sports media covering the Tennessee Titans for FanSided. After that stop, Lazenby spent time with AtoZ Sports, Saturday Down South and Purple PTSD. The Nashville native currently covers the Titans for Titans Wire in addition to his role with The Sporting News.