Austin

Walter

Zuber earned a camp spot after a strong showing for the USFL’s Houston Gamblers in the spring, but he will not crack the initial-53 in Las Vegas. It is possible the Raiders look to bring him back on the practice squad. Former Jets RB Austin Walter was also waived on Tuesday.

Walter appeared in four games for the Jets last year. He rushed 26 times for 101 yards and a score but was waived in May. With Zamir White being held out of practice with an undisclosed injury, the Raiders likely needed an extra body to take reps at running back. Walter is unlikely to make the final roster unless someone ahead of him on the depth chart sustains a serious injury.

Walter came from the bottom of the team’s depth chart to deliver some late-season fantasy production in 2021. He played in four games for the Jets last season and had 26 rushes for 101 yards and a touchdown as the team struggled with backfield injuries. Walter could land on another roster in the coming weeks.

The Jets actually did a pretty good job of running to the edge against the Vita Vea-led Bucs defense, and Walter gained 31 of his 49 yards outside of the tackles. If Michael Carter (concussion) and Tevin Coleman (COVID-19) aren’t ready to play in Week 18, Walter may be the run-first part of a committee against the Bills. It’s hard to see that as a great matchup for him.

Walter was active for this game but didn’t appear to be on the sidelines at the start of the game. He was ruled out without playing a snap. La’Mical Perine and Ty Johnson are the only active backs for the Jets now. Neither back holds much fantasy value given the dreadful state of the New York offense.

Coleman didn’t practice all week after suffering the brain injury in Week 13 against the Eagles. He had operated as the team’s primary ball carrier with Michael Carter (ankle) sidelined. Look for Ty Johnson and Austin Walter to split the backfield load this week against New Orleans. Johnson will be a better PPR option as the main pass catcher out of the Jets backfield. Walter is only playable in the deepest fantasy formats.

He was also DNP on Wednesday. It is possible Coleman returns Friday and is able to get cleared in time to face the Saints, but it is looking very likely he sits out this week. Ty Johnson and Austin Walter will likely form a committee if Coleman sits.

A week after getting nine rushing attempts and scoring a touchdown against Houston, Walter played a mere eight snaps against the Eagles. Tevin Coleman led the backfield once again with Michael Carter sidelined with an ankle injury. Ty Johnson saw some garbage time targets from Zach Wilson. Walter can be left on waiver wires this week.

With Michael Carter out the Jets expanded the backfield circle of trust to include Walter, who showed some decent burst and managed to score a touchdown in his hometown. Robert Saleh called him a “fire plug or a spark plug or whatever you want to call it,” after the game. It’s hard to roster the third Jets running back, but Walter looked like he belonged. Next up for the Jets are the Eagles in Week 13.

Walter was promoted to San Francisco’s active roster in November, registering two touches for 30 yards and returning five kickoffs for 93 yards on special teams across four appearances. He’ll return to compete with JaMycal Hasty as the third-string running back on the roster.