Seahawks RB Christine Michael: then vs. now

Aug 20, 2016

One run in the preseason doesn’t signify an overhaul, but it can help explain the difference between running back Christine Michael now and Christine Michael before.

On the Seahawks’ first drive Thursday during their preseason game against the Vikings, Michael took a hand-off out of the shotgun formation. As he neared the line, he had a few choices: He could either bounce the run outside or over the right guard, or he could cut up the middle.

Michael chose inside, squirmed through traffic and gained 10 yards.

So why is that run important? Because of what it represented. Michael, in his fourth season, always had ability but struggled with reliability. The Seahawks couldn’t trust him from play to play.

Fantasy Impact:

Michael continues to get positive press and really seems like he's made a turn in his career. It's potentially bad news for Thomas Rawls owners. Doubters say Michael has looked good when it doesn't count before, so it remains to be seen if this will be a one-two punch with Michael and Rawls.

yesterday

Chargers to sign RB J.K. Dobbins on one-year deal

Tom Pelissero

yesterday · 7:45 PM EDT

Former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins is planning to sign with the #Chargers on a one-year deal. Electric when healthy, Dobbins — who averages 5.8 yards per carry in his career — reunites with OC Greg Roman and can hit the market again in March.

Related Players: Gus Edwards

Fantasy Impact:

Dobbins has had poor injury luck in his career, but has only managed 234 total rushes since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. This is a low-risk, high-reward move by the Chargers and might give them a runway to wait a little longer in the '24 Draft before they address the position.

Apr 16

Cowboys sign RB Royce Freeman

Todd Archer

Apr 16 · 8:15 PM EDT

The Cowboys have signed running back Royce Freeman to a one-year deal. Freeman had 319 yards on 77 carries with 2 touchdowns last year for the Los Angeles Rams. He was 3rd round pick of Denver in '18.

Related Players: Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn

Fantasy Impact:

Freeman hasn't rushed for 500 yards since 2018, his rookie season. This shouldn't have any impact on the team drafting at the position and/or bringing back Ezekiel Elliott.

Apr 15

Eagles sign WR DeVonta Smith to three-year extension

Ian Rapoport

Apr 15 · 10:45 AM EDT

The Eagles have paid another big-time, rising player. This time, WR DeVonta Smith gets a 3-year, $75M contract extension that includes $51M guaranteed.

Related Players: A.J. Brown, DeVante Parker, Parris Campbell

Fantasy Impact:

Great news for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense as a whole. Smith will continue his 1b role in which he finished the 2023 season as fantasy's WR22.