In a third quarter that featured a significant shift in momentum between the host Dallas Cowboys and visiting Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12 action, injuries in the Eagles' secondary reared their ugly head.
Adoree' Jackson exited with a concussion, while teammate Reed Blankenship was forced out of action due to a thigh injury - two key injuries suffered amid a pivotal 89-yard touchdown drive by Dallas.
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A virtual game of musical chairs began to unfold within the Birds' secondary unit, as veteran Sydney Brown slid in for Blankenship. While Brown has notched meaningful snaps plenty of times before, newcomer Michael Carter tasted his first significant action in Kelly Green. The move pushed Cooper DeJean outside in place of Jackson, calling on Carter II to work inside (25 slot snaps).
For Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio, there was no hesitation to go with the fifth-year vet and former Jet over alternatives such as Kelee Ringo, once injuries began to mount in Week 12.
"I think he's a good football player, good natural football player, said Fangio. "He understands the game. He's got good instincts, good technique to his game."
With Carter II and Brown thrust into action, the energy in the building in Big D was clearly shifting the way of Dallas in that third quarter. Brown was the unfortunate culprit on a few costly miscues, while Carter also fought to get his footing amid a furious Cowboys rally following an early 21-0 Eagles lead.
Furthermore, a fractured ankle suffered by rookie safety Andrew Mukuba in the waning moments brought the secondary's injury count to three. With Jackson and Blankenship both hopeful to return for Friday's tilt with The Bears - but Mukuba facing an extended absence - Carter II (25 snaps versus Dallas) figures to play a prominent role regardless of where he lines up.
Having practiced at both cornerback (slot primarily) as well as safety since arriving, Carter's versatility will likely be put to the test in more big moments on the horizon.
Acquired last month by general manager Howie Roseman, Carter is now a crucial presence for a group that needs healthy bodies. Once considered a top-flight nickel corner under the guidance of Robert Saleh, Carter fell out of favor in New York earlier this season under new Head Coach Aaron Glenn.
The talent is clearly there. It's now a matter of rekindling it, and fast.
Thrust into action against a high-octane passing offense in Dallas, another high-stakes scenario awaits the fifth-year vet out of Duke - on a short week, no less. A talented trio of Chicago Bears receivers - including wideouts DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Luther Burden III - is on tap in Week 13.
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Caleb Williams and the upstart Bears (8-3) are playing a confident brand of football, and with injuries testing the mettle of the Eagles' secondary, Carter II has a golden opportunity to help right the ship.