The Arizona Cardinals released running back Michael Carter and defensive back Darren Hall on Monday, according to the NFL’s transactions wire.
The cuts signify the Cardinals needing roster spots out of the bye week with players working back from injury. Arizona’s last game was on Oct. 19, and the team does not play again until Monday Night Football in Dallas on Nov. 3.
The Cardinals are down to two running backs on the active roster: Emari Demercado and Bam Knight. Demercado missed Week 7’s game against the Green Bay Packers before the bye with an ankle injury, but he never went on injured reserve.
James Conner is out for the year (ankle), while Trey Benson (knee) has to miss at least one more game.
Arizona has a pair of running backs on the practice squad: D’Ernest Johnson and Jermar Jefferson. Johnson received a carry against Green Bay as a practice squad elevation.
Knight had taken over the bulk of Arizona’s carries over the past two games with 25 rushes for 91 yards (3.64 yards per carry) and a touchdown. He also caught four passes for 27 yards in that span.
Carter ran the ball 18 times in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans for 51 yards and a touchdown, but he trailed Knight with 16 carries for 45 yards over the last two games. Carter played 37% of offensive snaps against the Packers compared to Knight’s 44.7%.
Carter did not make the team out of training camp but stayed with the organization on the practice squad. He signed to the active roster on Sept. 29 to step in with injuries ravaging the running backs room.
Hall, meanwhile, played in five games this year but only received 4% of defensive snaps while filling a larger role on special teams.
Arizona’s defense has been banged up all season, but there are reinforcements on the horizon.
The 21-day practice window opened for first-round defensive lineman Walter Nolen III on Oct. 15. The rookie has yet to debut after suffering a calf injury over the offseason.
Cornerback Garrett Williams went down in Week 2 with a knee injury, but he was seen working on the side during the open portion of practice before the bye week.