Saleh acknowledged Carter’s contributions as a great teammate over the past few years and expressed gratitude for his efforts. The move was driven by the intention to allow Abanikanda a chance to shine on the field, as Saleh deemed it unfair for Carter to remain on the bench.

Saleh praised Abanikanda as a promising young back and highlighted the challenge of Carter being part of a running back room with three talented players. He expressed excitement for Carter’s potential to become a feature back elsewhere and emphasized that the decision was also influenced by the team’s depth at the position.

Saleh hinted at potential future personnel changes when asked about the possibility, confirming that adjustments were on the horizon. While he didn’t delve into specifics, Saleh previously ruled out changes in the quarterback position or play calling earlier in the week, focusing the potential alterations on the offensive side.

The Jets, currently facing a significant offensive struggle, have gone 36 consecutive drives without scoring a touchdown, marking the longest active drought in the NFL. Saleh acknowledged the team’s commitment to quarterback Zach Wilson despite a recent underwhelming loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. As the Jets aim to rejuvenate their offensive performance, Saleh hinted at ongoing evaluations and changes in personnel to address the team’s scoring challenges.

The post New York Jets Release Michael Carter: Coach Saleh Eyes Opportunities for Rookie Abanikanda Amidst Offensive Reshuffling appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

Carter continued to be the Jets’ starting third-down back, but his on-field output decreased. In nine games this season, he only managed 38 running yards on eight rushes and 15 receptions for 68 yards. He played in 11 special teams snaps and 142 offensive snaps throughout the season. His final snap happened on Sunday night on the first drive of the second half. It resulted in a chop block penalty on a third-and-eight, which erased a first down and kept him out of the game for the rest of it.

The issue at running back became more problematic with the signing of Dalvin Cook, who, although a consistent 1,000-yard rusher, expressed dissatisfaction with his small role. Breece Hall’s outstanding skill set has allowed him to establish himself as the team’s top back, receiving the majority of touches. Hall has accumulated 521 running yards, two touchdowns, 26 receptions for 246 yards, and one receiving touchdown in nine games this season.

After an outstanding rookie campaign in which he totaled 964 yards from scrimmage and proved to be a value in the fourth round, Carter’s output started to drop. His first-year performance, which included 639 rushing yards and 325 receiving yards, raised the bar. Carter’s stats declined the next season, though, as he only ran for 402 yards and three touchdowns while still collecting 41 receptions for 288 yards.

This season, the Jets’ running back group saw changes as Israel Abanikanda was drafted in the fifth round, and Dalvin Cook was added as the second overall pick after Breece Hall. Brooklyn native Abanikanda has been on the inactive list throughout game days for the majority of the season. It is expected that Abanikanda will now get the chance to demonstrate his abilities on the field with Carter’s release. He showed promise in the preseason, averaging 4.5 yards per run and hauling in a touchdown.

The Jets’ running game currently ranks 31st in rushing attempts, with 198 through the first 10 weeks of the season.

The post New York Jets Part Ways with Running Back Michael Carter: Navigating Changes in Backfield Dynamics and Player Roles appeared first on Sports Al Dente.