You can never have too many running backs. That’s apparently the view of the Washington Commanders, who placed a claim on a former 2021 fourth-round pick this week.
According to Field Yates of ESPN, Washington was one of three teams to place a claim on former Jets running back Michael Carter. The Arizona Cardinals were awarded Carter due to having a higher priority in the waiver order.
In addition to the Cardinals, the Buccaneers and Commanders put a claim in on RB Michael Carter, per source.
Meanwhile, the 49ers also put in a claim on OL Calvin Throckmorton, who was awarded to the Titans off of waivers.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 15, 2023
If Carter’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he was a former teammate of Washington quarterback Sam Howell for two seasons at North Carolina. During his final year at UNC in 2020, Carter rushed for 1,245 yards, had 267 receiving yards and nine total touchdowns.
The 24-year-old running back has rushed for 1,079 yards and seven touchdowns in parts of three seasons.
Why was Washington interested? Carter is a speed back, and perhaps the Commanders viewed Carter as a potential replacement for Antonio Gibson as the third-down back in 2024. Gibson is a free agent at season’s end.
While the Commanders rank No. 28 in rushing, their running backs (Gibson and Brian Robinson Jr.) are making a big impact in the passing game.
