NEW ORLEANS – Christine Michael will be active for the first time this season when the Cowboys face the Saints on Sunday Night Football.
The Cowboys released their pregame list of seven inactive players Sunday evening, and Michael wasn't among them for the first time since he was acquired in a trade on Sept. 6.
The full list of inactives is Lucky Whitehead, Matt Cassel, La'el Collins, Geoff Swaim, Dez Bryant, Randy Gregory and Ryan Russell.
None of those names are particularly surprising, especially since there's been speculation all week that Michael might replace the rookie Whitehead on the 46-man game day roster. The third-year running back has been inactive the first three weeks of the season, but there has been steadily-increasing talk that he might earn an opportunity in New Orleans.
Collins is sitting for the second time this season after the healthy return of Ron Leary to the lineup. The veteran starter strained his groin in Week 1, opening the door for Collins to play against Philadelphia and start against Atlanta.
With Leary back in the lineup tonight, however, Collins is once again the odd man out – largely thanks to the fact that fellow backup Mackenzy Bernadeau has the position flexibility to play both guard and center.
Kellen Moore will be the Cowboys' backup quarterback for the second-straight week, as Cassel has once again been designated as inactive. Cassel was acquired in a trade with Buffalo two weeks ago, but he hasn't suited up for Dallas yet while he acclimates to the offensive system.
Russell was active last week against the Falcons, but the return of Jeremy Mincey from a concussion and the addition of David Irving this past week gives the Cowboys seven active defensive linemen without Russell's services.
The Saints' inactives are wide receiver Joseph Morgan, quarterback Garrett Grayson, cornerback Kyle Wilson, defensive end Obum Gwacham, defensive tackle Kaleb Eulls, guard Jahri Evans and tight end Michael Hoomanawanui.
