The New York Jets have released running back Michael Carter, the team announced on Tuesday. Carter had appeared in 10 games this year but only tallied eight carries for 38 yards. The third-year running back also had 15 catches for 68 yards on the year.
The release comes after Carter was benched Sunday night after committing a chop block penalty to pull back a 3rd down conversion for New York. His penalty was one of many that Gang Green had that stopped drives in their tracks.
Jets head coach, Robert Salah, appeared on ESPN New York’s “The Michael Kay Show '' and stated his displeasure with the team's penalties and hinted at some ramifications coming. Carter was already behind both Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook on the Jets’ depth chart and now will be able to seek a new team.
With the Jets season hanging in the balance and Robert Salah now under the spotlight, a move had to be made. CJ Uzomah was one other name that probably came up in conversations as he had multiple penalties that killed some drives for the Jets. New York may however see Uzomah as a key piece to their receiving and run blocking game. They could use him on two tight end sets along with fellow tight end Tyler Conklin.
Whether or not the Jets will try to add another running back to their active roster remains to be seen at this point. We should have a better idea of their plans shortly and see who will replace Carter.
Carter was a 4th-round pick by New York in 2021 coming out of North Carolina. In his first two seasons with Gang Green, Carter started 21 of the 39 games he played in. His total stats with the Jets were 269 carries for 1,079 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. On the receiving end of the ball, Carter totaled 92 catches for 681 yards for the Green and White.
