PHX Reporter

With just over 12 minutes remaining in the third quarter, Cardinals running back Michael Carter made a notable six-yard run against Rams cornerback Darious Williams. Although not a standout play, Carter's gesture towards the Cardinals sideline was meant to inspire his teammates.

"Come on y'all, that's the energy I've been trying to bring every day," Carter stated. "I just wanted to get my teammates going and try to ignite them."

Shortly after, tight end Trey McBride scored his first receiving touchdown of the season. Despite being shut out in the first half, the Cardinals' offense found some momentum but ultimately lost 13-9.

Carter stepped into a leading role following James Conner's knee injury last weekend against the Panthers. Conner re-injured his knee on Saturday night against the Rams.

"It just wasn't right," coach Jonathan Gannon commented regarding Conner's condition.

Elevated from the practice squad earlier that day, Carter became crucial for the offense.

"I knew, because (Conner's) a little bit banged up, that I could be playing," Carter said. "James is the type of player that if he's fine, he's going to play, and James actually tried to come back in, so nothing but respect for him."

Carter rushed for 70 yards on 13 carries, including key third-down plays late in the fourth quarter. This marked his best performance since rushing for 76 yards against the Bills on November 6, 2022.

The Cardinals ended with 113 rushing yards despite left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and right tackle Jonah Williams being on Injured Reserve. Kelvin Beachum and Jackson Barton filled in as tackles.

Carter praised the offensive line for their support: "I feel like they were winning up front," he said. "All I had to do was get my shoulders square and be patient."

Even while sidelined in the first half, Conner guided Carter throughout the game.

"He was making sure I kept my shoulders square and the small details that it takes to have a good game," Carter mentioned.

The Cardinals fell to a record of 1-5 post-bye week after starting at 6-4. In frustration shared by his teammates, Carter reflected on what has changed since then but remained ready for action when needed.

"We're going to play our style, our game, regardless," Carter affirmed. "When someone else steps up in a position, the expectation or standard doesn't go down."

He emphasized readiness: "Everybody has got to know how to do it. It's the NFL; they're going to find the next guy if you can't."