The Arizona Cardinals will reportedly have a new look at running back during Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.
“Bam Knight moves into a more prominent role at the running back position ahead of Michael Carter today,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported in a move that is sure to catch the eye of fantasy football players looking to make late lineup adjustments.
Those fantasy players who absolutely need a last-minute lineup addition because of bye weeks or injuries should rush to the waiver wire to pick him up since his status as a starter gives him short-term upside.
Still, most should use caution before inserting him into the starting lineup considering he has just four carries for 11 yards this year and could still be in something of a backfield rotation.
This is not what the Cardinals envisioned at the running back position entering the season, but James Conner is out for the rest of the year because of an ankle injury. Trey Benson, who was the primary backup for Conner, is also on injured reserve because of a knee injury.
That left Arizona with a combination of Carter, Emari Demercado and Knight for last week’s loss to the Tennessee Titans. Carter was the primary option with 18 carries, but he was far from effective at 2.8 yards per attempt even with a touchdown.
Knight had just four carries for the 11 yards, although he also found the end zone.
Demercado made the most headlines of the group as one of his three carries appeared to go for a long touchdown, but it was overturned upon replay review because he dropped the ball before crossing the goal line.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon was fined $100,000 for his altercation with Demercado on the sidelines when he yelled at the running back, and Demercado will certainly be under the spotlight as a result to see if he bounces back against the Colts.
To call Arizona’s backfield a point of uncertainty for fantasy managers going into this matchup against Indianapolis would be quite the understatement. It wouldn’t be surprising if all three options rotated in and out, which can be quite frustrating for managers hoping for a breakout performance from Knight.
With Kyler Murray sidelined by injury, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Cardinals rely more on that rushing attack. But even 30-plus carries for the group might not be enough opportunity for Knight to truly break through if he is sharing all those opportunities with Carter and Demercado.
Any starting running back is worth roster consideration at this point of the NFL season with byes and injuries starting to factor in, but the best approach with Knight is a wait-and-see one. There isn’t much fantasy upside for the NC State product as long as Carter and Demercado are still factors.
With that in mind, stash Knight on your bench for now with the hope he takes advantage of more chances Sunday and earns additional playing time as the season progresses.
