Christine Michael impressive in debut

Aug 09, 2013

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll wasn’t kidding this week when he said rookie running back Christine Michael would get the ball early and often Thursday.

Starting running back Marshawn Lynch played just two plays in Seattle’s exhibition opener before giving way to Michael, the team’s second-round selection out of Texas A&M.

Michael got his share of opportunities in Seattle’s 31-10 win over the San Diego Chargers. He ran six times for 21 yards in the first half. In the second half, he turned it up a notch, carrying 10 times for 66 yards — including a 24-yard run — for a total of 89 yards on 16 carries.

“We weren’t going to get frustrated with what happened early, and just (kept) sticking to it,” Carroll said. “He bounced the ball well outside on his long run – had a couple of nice runs. He’s got a long way to go, but he ran hard, looked quick and made some guys miss. So I think it’s a very good first game for him.”

Fantasy Impact:

Michael may have moved ahead of Robert Turbin in the battle to be the primary backup to Lynch.

yesterday

Titans RB Tyjae Spears Out, Tony Pollard Questionable for Week 9

Adam Schefter

yesterday · 4:31 PM EDT

Titans RB Tyjae Spears is listed out for Sunday’s game on Tennessee’s injury report.

RB Tony Pollard is listed as questionable.

WR Calvin Ridley is off the injury report.

Related Players: Julius Chestnut

Fantasy Impact:

It looks like this could be the Chestnut show, but we won't know until Sunday. If that is the case, this is a situation we should save for DFS contests, not necessarily in redraft lineups.

Commanders RB Brian Robinson officially Questionable for Week 9

Tom Pelissero

yesterday · 4:28 PM EDT

Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) is officially questionable for Sunday's game vs. the Giants.

Related Players: Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols

Fantasy Impact:

This is a separate injury than Robinson (knee) was dealing with a couple of weeks ago, so this is unlikely just a flare-up. If BRob misses Week 9, consider Austin Ekeler a fringe RB2/3 with McNichols operating as a desperation flyer.

Seahawks WR DK Metcalf officially Out Week 9

Ian Rapoport

yesterday · 4:24 PM EDT

Seahawks WR DK Metcalf (MCL sprain) has been ruled out for Sunday.

Related Players: Jake Bobo, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Tyler Lockett

Fantasy Impact:

Metcalf was sorely missed in Week 8, when no other receivers were able to step up outside of JSN going 6-69-0. Lockett, in particular, was a regrettable fantasy start, while Geno Smith had only 212 yards and zero touchdowns for the first time all season. Smith-Njigba is the only reliable part of the passing attack (along with Kenneth Walker) this week.