The Jets are releasing RB Zonovan "Bam" Knight, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Rapoport adds that Knight "received some interest on the trade front," which could mean he'll catch on quickly elsewhere. We'll see whether Knight will be worth keeping track of heading into the season. His departure from New York should solidify RB Michael Carter's roster status.
The Jets have agreed to a one-year deal with RB Dalvin Cook. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that Cook is getting "up to $8.6 million ... with the majority guaranteed." He adds that it's the largest annual average of any deal for a RB free agent this offseason. This seems to signal a few things: First, the Jets like Cook much better than any of their current RB backups and were iffy enough on that crew to make a significant upgrade. Secondly, it also indicates they want to make sure not to overwork Breece Hall in his return from the ACL tear. Hall has yet to take the field in training camp, though reports have said they expect him to be ready for the regular season. Even if that holds true, expect Cook to cut way into the available work. That moves Hall down our RB rankings and gives Cook nice contingent upside, in case Hall misses further games. The rest of the Jets' current RBs are no more than end-of-draft fliers. At least one among Michael Carter, Zonovan Knight, and Israel Abanikanda probably isn't making the regular-season roster.
The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt says Jets RB Zonovan Knight has "had a really good camp -- he's quite clearly been their best RB." That's, of course, with Breece Hall not yet practicing. But it's noteworthy that Knight earns such praise over Michael Carter and rookie Israel Abanikanda. We're not betting on another Jets RB being starter-worthy in fantasy whenever Hall is active. But Hall's still-progressing recovery from the 2022 ACL tear enhances the available opportunity for the rest of the backfield. Knight has been going basically undrafted by best ball ADP this offseason and sits well down our RB rankings. We'll see whether a big adjustment needs to happen.
Jets RB Breece Hall will begin training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Following an October ACL tear, the team will surely take it slow with Hall. Michael Carter figures to open camp with the starters.
Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic suggested in a recent report that he expects RB Michael Carter to be RB2 on the Jets' depth chart to open the 2023 season. Rosenblatt also noted that the possibility of free agent RB Dalvin Cook signing with the team "looms large" in the room, though Carter is "the most experienced, popular in the locker room and is generally a quality pass-catcher." It'll be fascinating to see how long he can hold onto this job assuming Rosenblatt is correct. Last season was not great for Carter. He opened the first six full games averaging 11.8 touches per game spelling fellow RB Breece Hall. Though after Hall tore his ACL in Week 7 vs. the Broncos, Carter's involvement dipped to just 7.6 touches per game. He was essentially phased out of a dysfunctional offense late in the year, eventually falling behind 2022 UDFA Zonovan Knight. Among 45 RBs with 100+ carries, Carter ranked 43rd in Pro Football Focus rushing grade, 45th in yards per carry, and 36th in yards after contact per attempt. On top of that, he only finished as a top-24 RB in PPR scoring in four games. Perhaps fantasy managers would be best to avoid Carter and bet on rookie Israel Abanikanda, a player who Rosenblatt predicts will inherit the #2 job as the season unfolds, instead. See where each of these backs appear in our current RB rankings.
The Jets selected Pittsburgh RB Isreal Abanikanda in Round 5 of the 2023 NFL Draft. At 20 years old, Abanikanda is one of the youngest prospects in this draft class, with much room to grow. It took a while for him to get going, but he led the ACC in carries (239) and rushing yards (1,431) as a junior in 2022, in addition to an NCAA-leading 21 total TDs. While his vision near the line of scrimmage is lacking at times, Abanikanda is a true home-run hitter at his best, as evidenced by his 61 runs of 10+ yards over his last 2 college seasons at Pitt. With the suitable scheme fit and patience, we may look back on Abanikanda as one of the draft's biggest steals. This, of course, is not a great landing spot for his immediate fantasy value. Abanikanda will compete with RBs Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight for the right to back up feature back Breece Hall.
According to multiple reports, the Jets and OC Mike LaFleur are mutually parting ways. LaFleur jumped from the 49ers staff to the Jets when Robert Saleh took over as HC 2 seasons ago. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that other teams have inquired about LaFleur, so it sounds like this is more "parting" than firing. We'll see where LaFleur lands next and what he has to work with. It's tough to judge much from his 1st try at OC, with poor QB play limiting everything. We'll also see who the Jets pull in next ... and who starts at QB in 2023.
Jets RB Michael Carter was the closest thing to an offensive bright spot on a night that saw the team total just 227 yards and pull its 1st-round QB for the 2nd time this season. Carter led the team with 5 catches and 44 yards, though he added just 6 rushing yards on 2 carries. RB Zonovan Knight rushed 6 times for minus-2 and caught his lone target for 15 yards. RB Ty Johnson worked in for 7 yards on 2 carries. WR Garrett Wilson led the team with 9 targets but managed just 4 catches for 30 yards. Practice-squad QB Chris Streveler entered in the 2nd half and wound up leading the team in rushing (54 yards). We'll see who's piloting this offense for a Week 17 trip to Seattle. That matchup is currently battling Houston for friendliest in the league to RB scoring, according to our adjusted fantasy points allowed.
Jets HC Robert Saleh labeled RB Zonovan Knight questionable but "arrow up" for Thursday night's game vs. the Jaguars, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. Knight missed some time in yesterday's loss to the Lions with an ankle injury but eventually returned. We'll keep a close eye on his status over the next couple of days. If Knight can't play on Thursday, we'd likely see RB Michael Carter lead a committee alongside Ty Johnson and James Robinson.
Jets RB Zonovan Knight led the team in rushing in Sunday's loss to the Lions, but he did so with just 13 carries for 23 yards. RB Michael Carter carried 4 times for 15 yards and caught his lone target for 16 yards. The Jets get a decent rushing matchup with the Jaguars in Week 16 but a terrific matchup at Seattle in Week 17. The Seahawks have been the league's most friendly to RB scoring by our adjusted fantasy points allowed.
Jets RB James Robinson is again a healthy scratch for today's game vs. the Lions. RB Ty Johnson is active but didn't play a single offensive snap last week. RBs Zonovan Knight and Michael Carter figure to handle most, if not all, of the backfield work today.
Jets RB Michael Carter returned from his ankle sprain Sunday against the Bills and split the backfield pretty evenly with rookie RB Zonovan Knight. Carter led the receiving work, catching 3 of 6 targets for 15 yards. Knight drew 2 targets, catching both for 6 yards. Knight took the clear rushing lead, though, compiling 71 yards and a TD on 17 attempts. Carter rushed only 5 times for 5 yards. A similar split could put both in play for fantasy-lineup use in a Week 15 home date with the Lions. Solid matchups with Jacksonville and at Seattle sit beyond that.
Jets RB James Robinson is a healthy scratch for today's game vs. the Bills. RB Michael Carter is back and will join Zonovan Knight and Ty Johnson in New York's backfield.
Jets RB Michael Carter (ankle) is not listed on the Week 14 injury report. So he'll be back for Sunday's game vs. the Bills -- and should be at least close to 100%. The question now becomes how touches will be divvied in this backfield. HC Robert Saleh said Wednesday that RB Zonovan Knight is "not going anywhere," so expect him to remain significantly involved. RBs Ty Johnson and/or James Robinson also might continue to mix in. It's a messy situation and a tough matchup this weekend.
Jets RB Michael Carter (ankle) is inactive for today’s game vs. the Vikings. RBs Zonovan Knight, Ty Johnson and James Robinson are active. We’re expecting Knight to lead the 3-man committee, making him a decent RB3 or flex play.
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