Michael Carter DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Tennessee Titans running back Michael Carter has been elevated from the practice squad for Sunday's game against the Giants, according to Mike Garafolo. The move comes with Tyjae Spears questionable because of an ankle injury after missing Wednesday and Thursday before returning to a limited practice Friday. Spears has 10 carries for 53 yards and four catches for 41 yards through two games. Carter gives Tennessee another backfield option alongside Tony Pollard and rookie Nick Singleton if Spears is limited or unable to play. The former Jets back also returns to MetLife Stadium, where he spent the first three seasons of his NFL career.

The Tennessee Titans signed veteran running back Michael Carter this offseason, and he could have the inside track to the final RB spot on the 53-man roster due to his history with new head coach Robert Saleh with the New York Jets, according to Mark Mihalko of Titans Wire. However, Kalel Mullings was drafted by general manager Mike Borgonzi, and when healthy, he gives the Titans backfield a different skill set. The 27-year-old Carter spent the last two seasons in the desert with the Arizona Cardinals and had 92 carries for 333 yards (3.6 yards per carry) and one rushing touchdown in 13 games (five starts) in 2025 in his fifth year in the league. Carter added 33 receptions on 45 targets for 267 yards and no touchdowns as a pass-catcher. Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are the Titans' unquestioned top-two RBs heading into the 2026 campaign, so Carter will be competing for a depth role with Mullings and rookie Nicholas Singleton this year. Most likely, Carter will not be fantasy relevant unless injuries hit Tennessee's backfield hard.

The Tennessee Titans have signed free agent running back Michael Carter, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Carter reunites with Robert Saleh, who was his head coach when the Jets drafted him and is now the head coach of the Titans. The 26-year-old wasn't always fantasy relevant last year, but he had a decent season nonetheless. He ultimately played in 13 games and ranked as the overall RB48 in PPR leagues with 333 rushing yards, 33 catches, 267 receiving yards, and one touchdown. He made five starts along the way, highlighted by an 18.3-point performance in Week 5 against (ironically) the Titans. Carter projects as the No. 3 running back in Tennessee, slotting into a depth role behind Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. He faces an uphill battle to earn fantasy-relevant snaps in 2026.