Who Should I Start? Michael Carter or Kyle Monangai

Saturday, November 8, 7:14 PM

The Arizona Cardinals promoted running back Michael Carter to the active roster from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Carter was cut by the Cardinals the week leading into their Week 9 matchup against the Cowboys, but was quickly signed back to the practice squad soon thereafter. The 26-year-old has fallen out of favor after operating as Arizona's lead back in Week 5 against the Titans, when he handled 18 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown to go with five catches (five targets) for 22 yards. Carter has since fallen behind Bam Knight and Emari Demercado in the pecking order for touches and didn't play a single snap in Week 9 versus Dallas. It appears to be trending toward a two-man backfield in Week 10 against Seattle, but things could change. Carter can likely be left on the waiver wire.

Tuesday, November 11, 10:32 AM

Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai enjoyed a breakout game in the first start of his career in Week 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals, recording 198 total yards on 29 touches. With starter D'Andre Swift returning in Week 10, Monangai was still a part of the offense, but took a backseat to Swift as he continues to run well this season. The rookie seventh-rounder played 39.1% of the snaps and had seven carries for 28 yards in Chicago's Week 10 win over the Giants. Swift, on the other hand, played 60.9% of the snaps and handled 18 touches for 98 yards from scrimmage. The 60-40 split could be how head coach Ben Johnson manages the backfield moving forward, with Swift enjoying a resurgent season and Monangai serving as a physical, downhill back to complement Swift. Monangai remains a must roster player due to his upside when Swift is out and holds standalone value as a flex play for Week 11 against the Minnesota Vikings.