Who Should I Start? Jonathan Ward or Michael Carter

Thursday, June 19, 3:13 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers released veteran running back Jonathan Ward on Thursday, the team announced on X. After signing with the organization last offseason, Ward spent the 2024 campaign rotating between the active roster and the practice squad. He appeared in four contests, totaling five carries for 22 yards. The undrafted free agent in 2020 out of Central Michigan has spent time with the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and Steelers during his five-year NFL career, compiling 91 rushing yards and 52 receiving yards with one total touchdown. The 27-year-old could find his way on an active roster for another team, but he'll likely have to make his mark on special teams.

Saturday, October 18, 11:04 AM

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter is set to receive more opportunities after a third member of the backfield went down with an injury in Emari Demercado (ankle). During the Week 6 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, Carter saw 44% of the snap share after getting 58% against the Tennessee Titans in Week 5. Against the Green Bay Packers in Week 7, Carter and Bam Knight will split the backfield work, but Carter is likely to see some more opportunities in the passing game. He received five targets in each of the last two games and turned them into seven receptions for 52 yards. The Packers are ranked fifth against opposing running backs, however, and have given up just two touchdowns on the ground this season. Carter does hold some low-end flex value in deeper leagues, but he'll be hard to trust since the Cardinals will likely go with the hot hand.