Michael Carter Week 13 fantasy outlook: Is he playing this Sunday?

Buffalo Bills v New York Jets
Michael Carter II and Brandin Echols of the New York Jets celebrate after beating the Buffalo Bills

Many fantasy running backs, like Michael Carter, are fresh off outings where they were forced to leave early.

Carter has a low-ankle strain and is doubtful for Week 13, according to New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh on Monday afternoon.

Carter left the Jets' 31-10 victory over the Chicago Bears in the second half due to an ankle problem. According to head coach Robert Saleh, who Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic quoted, Carter has an ankle sprain.

The first worry was that Carter might miss three to four weeks if the injury turned out to be a high-ankle sprain. That would have seen him miss out till Week 16 or Week 17. Carter would be tradable in a handful of leagues if that was the diagnosis. However, if the report that he has a low-ankle sprain is anything to go by, the recovery time might be one or two games.


Michael Carter's fantasy value

In the absence of James Robinson, who appeared to be in good health, Zonovan Knight took charge following Michael Carter's injury. As a result, Knight is a very desirable waiver-wire addition this week.

In his debut game in last weekend's victory over the Chicago Bears, Knight ran the ball on 14 occasions for 69 yards - a team-high. He also collected three catches for 34 yards.

A talented second-year player, Carter might miss Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings since he has been listed as day-to-day while he heals.

The New York Jets continue to figure out ways to win, but their running back options have been quite underwhelming since Breece Hall's season-ending injury.

Even if Michael Carter is granted the all-clear to play this Sunday, Ty Johnson and Zonovan Knight will likely have more significant effects in the Jets backfield. This makes Carter a much riskier choice to start in fantasy lineups.

If Carter cannot play this weekend, James Robinson may be included. Knight and Johnson will presumably divide the bulk of the backfield action if Carter isn't given the all-clear in Week 13.

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