Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Michael Carter

Monday, November 24, 5:31 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine (ankle) has missed the last two games with an ankle injury, but he was listed as a full participant on Monday's estimated practice report, per SI.com's Jay Morrison. It's notable since rookie Tahj Brooks was already ruled out for Thursday's Thanksgiving Day game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a concussion he suffered in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots. As long as Perine doesn't suffer a setback with his ankle on Tuesday or Wednesday, he figures to be active in Week 13 to serve as the Bengals' No. 2 RB behind starter Chase Brown. The 30-year-old doesn't have standalone fantasy football value in a depth role, though. In 32 rushing attempts in 2025, Perine has 198 rushing yards and one score on the ground, adding 30 receiving yards.

Monday, November 24, 10:18 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter had five carries for 28 yards in Sunday's 27-24 overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12. Carter also had three catches for 30 yards on three targets. The 26-year-old had his most efficient rushing game of the year in Sunday's matchup, gaining 5.6 yards per carry. Carter will need to continue to maximize each carry he gets in this pass-heavy offense to stay relevant in fantasy in his limited rushing role. Carter has also not seen double-digit touches in a game since Week 6. Fantasy managers should consider Carter a desperation flex option in deeper leagues heading into Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He'll fall to RB3 duties if Trey Benson (knee) returns from Injured Reserve.