Christine Michael released by Seattle Seahawks
Wednesday 16 November 2016 12:45, UK
The Seattle Seahawks have released running back Christine Michael less than a year after signing him.
Following the emergence of C.J Prosise and the imminent return of Thomas Rawls, Michael was considered surplus to requirements after an inconsistent season.
Michael leads the team with six rushing touchdowns and made the only 100+ yard game to come from any of the Seahawks running backs this season. However, as a whole, Seattle rank 30th in rushing, and head coach Pete Carroll believes a change was necessary.
"With C.J, the versatility of all the things he seems to be able to do at this point, and knowing that there's a real style to Thomas that we're really looking forward to seeing, it could be a real nice matchup," Carroll said. "We'll see how that works."
Prosise impressed on his first start as the Seahawks beat the New England Patriots 31-24, rushing for 66 yards, as well as 87 from receiving. The release of Michael presumes that Rawls will be active for the week 11 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Michael was the Seahawks' second round draft pick back in 2013, but struggled for playing time behind Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin. He was traded to Dallas in 2015, but could not hold down a starting position and, after time with the Washington Redskins' practice squad, rejoined the Seahawks in December 2015.
With several play-off contenders looking for veteran running back quality, do not expect Michael to be a free agent for long. Despite injuries early in the year, he can still be a difference maker and will hope to be on the field sooner rather than later.
