New Cardinals RB Michael Carter said he's thankful for a fresh start in Arizona
Michael Carter didn’t want to get into the details surrounding his departure from the New York Jets, but following a whirlwind 48 hours in which he was released on Tuesday, claimed off waivers by the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday, and arrived to his new team for the first time on Thursday, the running back was thankful to be where he’s at.
“It’s just a chance to have a fresh start,” he said. “I feel appreciated. It’s just a blessing to be here.”
Exactly how the former fourth-round pick out of North Carolina fits into Arizona’s running back rotations remains to be seen. James Conner is the starter and returned last week after missing four games with a knee injury, but the backup situation has been unsettled.
Keaontay Ingram and rookie Emari Demercado have been the primary No. 2’s, but Demercado is working his way back from an ankle issue. The Cardinals also have Corey Clement and Tony Jones Jr. on the practice squad.
Asked when he thinks he’ll be able to contribute on offense for the Cardinals, Carter said, “As soon as possible.”
“I’m ready,” he said. “I’ve played every game this year. I played every game last year and pretty much every game the year before, so it’s not like I just stopped playing football. Yesterday was my first day not practicing in my whole life probably.”
A back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher in his junior and senior seasons at North Carolina, Carter has rushed for 1,079 yards on 269 carries in 39 career NFL games. He had just eight rushes for 38 yards in nine games with the Jets this season.
Carter said he’s looking forward to playing for coach Jonathan Gannon, calling him a “solid coach.”
“I talked to him yesterday and I talked to him again this morning,” he said. “He brings a lot of energy, like a lot. That’s something I can appreciate because I’m the same way. It starts with him, and it trickles down. It’s a positive vibe around here and I really appreciate that.”
Carter said he knows a handful of players on the Cardinals’ roster and can’t wait to get to spend time around quarterback Kyler Murray.
“He’s competitive … and I relate to that,” Carter said. “I love the way he practices. I was just talking to Hollywood (receiver Marquise Brown) and you can tell when someone definitely wants to get better like with every rep. He’s one of those guys.”
Injury report
Four players didn’t practice for the Cardinals on Thursday: Carter, safety Joey Blount (knee), defensive lineman Jonathan Ledbetter (shoulder) and receiver Zach Pascal (hamstring). Listed as limited were left tackle D.J. Humphries (ankle), guard Trystan Colon (calf), Demercado, defensive lineman Kevin Strong (knee) and linebackers Jesse Luketa (ankle) and Ezekiel Turner (hamstring).
Five players did not practice for the Texans: running back Dameon Pierce (ankle), safety Jimmie Ward (hamstring), receiver Noah Brown (knee) and linebackers Jake Hansen (hamstring/hand) and Henry To’oTo’o (concussion). Listed as limited were tight end Brevin Jordan (foot), receiver Nico Collins (calf), safety Grayland Arnold (calf) and tackle George Fant (hip).
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: RB Michael Carter is ready to help Arizona Cardinals right away
