Who Should I Start? Michael Carter or Trevor Etienne

Tuesday, October 7, 5:48 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter is listed as the RB1 on the team's depth chart going into a Week 6 clash against the Indianapolis Colts on the road on Sunday. Emari Demercado is listed as the No. 2, with Bam Knight following him. James Conner (ankle) is out for the rest of the season, while Trey Benson (knee) is out four to six weeks due to a knee injury. In Arizona's new-look backfield in the Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans, Carter operated as the clear lead back, carrying the ball 18 times for 51 yards and a touchdown and catching all five of his targets for another 22 yards. Demercado and Knight combined for only nine touches, with Demercado botching what would have been a 70-plus-yard touchdown. Even though Carter wasn't very efficient with his 23 touches, it's clear the Cardinals are going to lean heavily on him with Benson out. Carter should be scooped up off waivers this week if he's still available in your league.

Monday, October 6, 12:26 PM

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Trevor Etienne was in line for a bigger workload in Week 5 against the visiting Miami Dolphins on Sunday with starter Chuba Hubbard (calf) ruled out due to injury. Etienne did play a season-high 20% of the offensive snaps in the 27-24 victory, but he only handled five touches (four carries and one reception), while Rico Dowdle had a career day with 23 rushing attempts for 206 yards and a touchdown. Dowdle also caught three of his four targets for 28 yards in the passing game. Etienne ran for 22 yards on his four carries and picked up seven yards on his lone reception against Miami. The 21-year-old could be right back to RB3 duties in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys if Hubbard is able to overcome his calf injury and get back on the field at practice this week. Even if Hubbard misses another game, Etienne isn't going to be in play as a starting flex option in fantasy lineups on Sunday.