Jets release RB Michael Carter

The New York Jets released third-year running back Michael Carter on Tuesday.

Carter played a minimal role for the Jets (4-5) this season behind Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook. He had just eight carries for 38 yards and caught 15 of 20 targets in the passing game for 68 yards in nine games.

Carter, 24, was a fourth-round draft pick by New York in 2021 and started 21 games over his first two campaigns. He has rushed for 1,079 yards and seven touchdowns through 39 career games.

Carter saw just eight snaps on Sunday night when the Jets lost 16-12 to the Las Vegas Raiders. He was benched during the third quarter after being flagged for a chop-block penalty.

The move likely means the Jets will promote rookie running back Israel Abanikanda to take his place as a change-of-pace back. Abanikanda was the Jets' fifth-round draft pick in April out of Pitt and had a good preseason but has yet to be active for a regular-season game.