Christine Michael suddenly questionable vs Pats, C.J. Prosise could get first start

And then there was one?

Seattle Seahawks running back Christine Michael, the subject of controversy — around this blog at least — for a little while now, has been losing snaps to rookie C.J. Prosise over the last two weeks. With the Sunday night game against the New England Patriots looming, it seemed to me that Michael could lose his starting job to Prosise after the third rounder out of Notre Dame had been more productive recently, and coaches appeared to be favoring him until Thomas Rawls was ready to return. On Friday, their decision may have become a little clearer.

Michael showed up on the injury report for the first time, listed with a hamstring issue, and his status for Sunday is now Questionable.

This may indicate that coaches will be prepared to start Prosise in two days, or integrate fellow rookie Alex Collins more on first and second down, with Prosise still getting plenty of snaps vs New England; either way, it seems like the change-over from Michael to the next generation is well underway.

Rawls has already been ruled out vs the Pats but practiced in full on Friday. It’s becoming more and more likely that he’ll make his return next week against the Philadelphia Eagles. At that point, the Seahawks may be ready to part ways with Michael and give him a chance to get an opportunity elsewhere. It would seem unlikely that they’d keep all four running backs, or that they’d release Collins, who is signed for three more years after this on a cheap rookie contract.

Other than Michael Bennett and Rawls though, Seattle may be healthier than they’ve been in quite some time, with Luke Willson and Bradley Sowell potentially being ready for Sunday.