As the fantasy football playoffs continue, injuries to key players like James Conner and Jalen Hurts have left many managers scrambling for replacements. This article highlights potential free agent pickups who are available in over 50% of ESPN leagues, focusing on running backs, quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends who could step up in Week 17. Notable performances from players such as Jonathan Taylor and Justin Jefferson are contrasted with disappointing outings from stars like Josh Allen and Cooper Kupp, emphasizing the volatility of fantasy football during the playoffs.

Cardinals running back James Conner is questionable to return to the game against the Panthers due to a knee injury. Prior to his exit, Conner was having an impressive performance, accumulating 117 rushing yards and a touchdown, along with four receptions for 49 yards. With other running backs Trey Benson and Emari Demercardo unavailable, the Cardinals are left with Michael Carter and DeeJay Dallas in the backfield.

The New York Jets will be without cornerback D.J. Reed due to a groin injury for their Sunday night matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This absence compounds the Jets' challenges in the secondary as they are already missing slot corner Michael Carter. However, the Jets may find some relief as the Steelers' passing game is limited.

The Arizona Cardinals are currently evaluating their running back depth as Trey Benson, Michael Carter, and Emari Demercado vie for the RB2 position behind starter James Conner. Demercado has been taking first-team reps in Conner's absence, while Benson and Carter have been working with the second team. This competition could impact fantasy football lineups as the season progresses.

Emari Demercado is active for today's game after missing several weeks due to a toe injury. Michael Carter will make his debut for the Cardinals, while Keaontay Ingram will be a healthy scratch. James Conner is expected to remain the lead back for the team.

Cardinals RB Michael Carter is a healthy scratch for today's game against the Texans. With RB Emari Demercado out with an injury, Tony Jones and Keaontay Ingram will be behind James Conner.

The Arizona Cardinals have claimed former Jets RB Michael Carter off waivers, adding a back with proven receiving ability to their roster. Carter is expected to have the greatest impact in the passing game and could cut into James Conner's receiving opportunities. While Carter may not provide much fantasy value, Conner remains a low-end RB2 option.

The New York Jets have waived running back Michael Carter, their leading rusher in 2021, in a surprise move. Carter was benched after committing a penalty in the Jets' recent loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The move sends a message to the struggling offense and opens up a spot for rookie Israel Abanikanda. The Jets are looking to generate more offense after two straight losses.

The New York Jets have waived running back Michael Carter, who has seen a decline in his role over the past two seasons. Carter had a solid rookie season in 2021 but has been the team's No. 3 option this year. The Jets are looking to give opportunities to rookie Israel Abanikanda. Carter is expected to be picked up by another team soon.

The Jets have released running back Michael Carter. Carter had limited usage this season, with only eight carries and 20 targets in nine games. His departure slightly boosts Breece Hall's role in the passing game. Dalvin Cook remains irrelevant for fantasy purposes. Carter's future fantasy value is uncertain, and he is not a must-hold in dynasty leagues.

Jets RB Breece Hall had a drop in rushing production but showcased his receiving skills in the team's win over the Eagles. Hall ran for 39 yards on 12 carries and scored the team's only touchdown. He also set season highs in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. Hall dominated backfield work and looks like a consistent fantasy starter despite the Jets' shaky offense.

New York Jets coach Robert Saleh and key veteran leaders have no issue with injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers calling out the team for its sideline squabbles. They agree with his take. Rodgers, rehabbing his torn Achilles in California, said that the Jets 'need to grow up a little bit' and 'hold our poise a little bit better.' Saleh and the players appreciate Rodgers' leadership and respect his thoughts, whether he's present or not.

The New York Jets continue to struggle as quarterback Zach Wilson has a second consecutive poor performance. Frustrations are building in the locker room, with star wide receiver Garrett Wilson expressing his dissatisfaction with not getting the ball enough. Despite the struggles, coach Robert Saleh is sticking with Wilson as the starting quarterback.

New York Jets running back Breece Hall is confident in his surgically repaired knee and believes he and Dalvin Cook will be the best duo in the league. Hall has practiced fully and is expected to play a key role in the season opener against the Buffalo Bills. The Jets want to be cautious with Hall, who they see as their long-term RB1. They have a plan for his workload and will communicate with him regularly to assess his physical and mental state. Cook and third-string back Michael Carter will also see playing time in the Jets' committee approach.

Dalvin Cook is expected to split snaps with Breece Hall, Michael Carter, and Israel Abanikanda in the season opener against the Bills. Cook has been practicing for less than two weeks after shoulder rehab, while Hall has been limited due to a torn ACL last season. The Jets coaching staff wants to avoid overexerting their top two running backs early and will likely use a running back rotation.

Breece Hall, running back for the New York Jets, was a limited participant in practice due to a knee injury. The Jets are easing him back into practice after he tore his ACL last season. While Hall is expected to play in Week 1, he will likely be on a snap count with Dalvin Cook, Michael Carter, and Israel Abanikanda also seeing playing time in the backfield.