The Dallas Cowboys have been playing games with the running back rotation all year, and the addition of Christine Michael hasn’t cleared up the muddy waters.
Last week reports emerged that suggested Michael would emerge as a prominent figure following the bye, but recent chatter coming out of Dallas indicates he might not see as much action as many figured.
ESPN’s Todd Archer says fantasy football owners expecting a breakout game from Michael should “tap the breaks” on the idea. “The Cowboys have said he will be in the mix more. But all he needs to do to be involved ‘more’ is get two carries in a game,” he said. He also says Joseph Randle would remain the lead back.
Perhaps even more damning are comments from Michael himself.
“I’m just as clueless as you are,” the running back told reporters Thursday (h/t Dallas Morning News). “Those guys did say I’m going to get a little bit more carries, but we’ll see on Sunday.”
At this point, fantasy football owners would be wise to avoid any of the Dallas running backs. If you must have one of them, then make it Randle for the time being. Darren McFadden hasn’t been a big impact player all season long and that won’t change with Michael being integrated into the offense.
Based on Michael’s comment, it seems like he’s expecting to be utilized about as much in Dallas as he was in Seattle, which wasn’t much. He will likely get an opportunity, though, this Sunday against the New York Giants. A strong showing would go a long way towards gaining more opportunities in the future.
Dallas needs to get something going on the ground, no matter where the production comes from. Despite featuring one of the league’s top offensive lines, the Cowboys rank No. 25 in rushing with just 533 yards and have scored just five touchdowns on the ground.