CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Cardinals hope James Conner can have a big game Sunday against the Panthers, who struggle against the run.
But the Cardinals need depth at running back. With Emari Demercado on Injured Reserve and Trey Benson out for Sunday’s game with an ankle injury, the Cardinals elevated veteran Michael Carter from the practice squad on Saturday.
The Cardinals also elevated tackle Jackson Barton, with Paris Johnson Jr. sidelined with a knee injury.
Carter figures to play an important role. The Cardinals’ other running back, DeeJay Dallas, was also listed as questionable for the game with an illness that came up on Friday.
“(Carter) has been awesome,” coach Jonathan Gannon said this week. “Loves to practice and loves to play. He’s ready to go every day. He’s an energy giver for all three phases. (He) does a really good job for us, prepares the right way. He’s ready to go.”
Carter played well for the Cardinals in 2023 after the team acquired him on waivers after he was cut by the Jets. He had 149 yards rushing on only 22 carries, 6.8 yards an attempt. But his role was essentially usurped when the Cardinals drafted Benson, with Demercado better suited as the third-down back and Dallas as a backup power back and special teams ace.
Barton, who spent a chunk of the season on practice squad IR with a foot injury, actually got a start in Week 3 against the Lions when both Jonah Williams and Kelvin Beachum were hurt. Beachum will start at left tackle in place of Johnson.
For Barton, it is the third and final time he can be elevated from the practice squad this season. If the Cardinals want him to be active on a game day beyond Week 16, he will have to be added to the 53-man roster.
