Seahawks Beat: Christine Michael has 'fooled fans before'

Aug 15, 2016

Seahawks running back Christine Michael is as sprightly as can be these days, and there are two potential reasons: 1) He has developed into a dependable ball-carrier who can consistently produce at an NFL level; and 2) It’s August.

Let’s not pretend we haven’t seen this before. Summertime in Seattle generally is when Michael mutates into Emmitt Smith.

In 2013 he blitzed through the preseason, racking up 201 yards on 40 carries. In June 2014, he prompted offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell to declare that the Seahawks’ offense will be “running back by committee,” even though Marshawn Lynch had spearheaded a Super Bowl win a few months earlier. And on Saturday, Michael’s 44 yards on seven carries in a preseason win at Kansas City got Pete Carroll to say that Michael and Thomas Rawls would be the “1-2 punch” in Seattle’s backfield this year.

Fantasy Impact:

The story went on to say a few interesting things - the optimist might be compelled to believe this finally will be the year Michael, 25, tracks down his potential and becomes a mainstay in an NFL offense. The realist, on the other hand, would be compelled to ask: How is this any different? But, the story quoted HC Pete Carroll as saying Michael was a loose cannon before, but has now grown up. Michael has got a lot of positive press lately and it has Rawls owners in a bit of a panic. The point of this story seems to be don't count on a committee or a 1-2 punch in the Seahawks backfield just yet. Also keep in mind the Seahawks drafted three running backs in April.

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Chiefs WR Hollywood Brown's practice window to open "Friday or Monday"

Ian Rapoport

2 hours ago

Chiefs WR Hollywood Brown has received final clearance to practice, paving the way for him to play before the regular season ends.

Brown, who is recovering from surgery to repair his SC joint, should have his window opened Friday or Monday. The team will be cautious.

Fantasy Impact:

If Brown were cleared by Week 17, he would be incredibly tough to start in pretty much any sort of fantasy league with Championships on the line. However, he could be an interesting click for Playoff-only leagues if he can ramp up in time.

Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker misses second straight practice

Adam Schefter

2 hours ago

For a second straight day today, Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III didn’t practice due to his calf injury.

Related Players: Zach Charbonnet, Kenny McIntosh

Fantasy Impact:

Looks like things should be cleared out for Charbonnet once again in what could be a very close game against the Packers. If Walker misses Week 15, fire Charbs up as a high-end RB2.

49ers RB Isaac Guerendo, Nick Bosa, and Dre Greenlaw active for Week 15

Lindsey Pallares

3 hours ago

In Week 15, the red and gold have defensive lineman Nick Bosa and linebacker Dre Greenlaw active and ready for the team's second meeting with their NFC West rival, the Los Angeles Rams.

On the other side of the ball, the 49ers will have rookie running back Isaac Guerendo available against the Rams. He was listed as questionable on Wednesday on account of a foot sprain but was given the green light to play ahead of "Thursday Night Football."

Fantasy Impact:

We do expect Guerendo to handle the majority workload for TNF, but you do have to wonder if he gets the same type of workload he would have, had he avoided the injury report all week. Consider him closer to an RB3 than a locked-in RB2 he otherwise would have been.