Christine Michael wasn’t out of a job for very long.
A day after being released by the Seattle Seahawks, Michael was claimed off waivers by the Green Bay Packers. The news was first reported by NFL Network‘s Mike Garafolo, citing sources.
Packers have claimed RB Christine Michael off waivers, source says.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 16, 2016
Green Bay Packers Claim Running Back Christine Michael Off Waivers
Michael received a more prominent role in the Seahawks run game after Thomas Rawls suffered a fibula injury in September. In week three, he had 20 carries for 106 yards and two rushing touchdowns as Seattle cruised to a 37-18 win over the 49ers. Three weeks later, the 26-year-old had a similar two touchdown performance against Atlanta in a narrow 26-24 triumph.
But the past few games saw Michael take a back seat to rookie C.J. Prosise. In Sunday night’s 31-24 road win over the Patriots, Prosise rushed the ball 17 times for 66 yards while Michael managed just five carries for 22 yards. With Rawls set to return, Michael became expendable.
In adding the fourth year pro out of Texas A&M to the roster, the Packers are hoping to bolster a running back corps decimated by injuries this year. Their primary feature back Eddie Lacy was put on injured reserve in late October with an ankle injury that will require surgery. With James Starks also limited due to a knee injury, it forced the Packers to use Ty Montgomery, normally a wide receiver, in the run game.
Starks returned in week ten against the Tennessee Titans. But he managed just seven carries for 33 yards as the Packers fell 47-25. He has a mere 75 yards on the ground this year and still has yet to find the end zone. With their postseason hopes fading, Michael will hope to improve a Packers rushing offense that has just three touchdowns which is tied for second worst in the NFL.
The 4-5 Packers are back in action on Sunday night when they take on the Washington Redskins on the road. The game kicks off at 8:30 PM ET and will be televised on NBC.
