IRVING, Texas– When the Cowboys traded for Christine Michael nearly a month ago, it seemed he might have an immediate role with the offense, or at least in the near future.
Three weeks of being inactive later, and Michael has yet to be a factor for the Cowboys, other than on the scout team.
But there's a chance that could change this week. Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said Michael has received some snaps with the first-team offense and has done well with his added opportunities.
"He's making a lot of progress. He hasn't played yet for us," Linehan said of Michael. "We've been giving him a few more reps this week to see how he's doing. I think he's doing a great job. We're excited to see him in the future here – I don't know how near that is. We make those decisions in the next coming days. But we're excited to have him."
In the locker room Thursday, Michael sounded appreciative of the extra snaps, but tried not speculate if he will have a role come Sunday.
"I'm not too sure about that," Michael said of his possible role. "That's not really important. We're trying to go in there and get a W. However it turns out, I'm looking to do as good as I can. But first-team reps always feels good. I'm looking to contribute as much as possible. I'm trying to learn as much as I can and learn from the guys in front of me."
When asked to compare Michael to the other backs – Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar, Linehan said their newest addition might have the most power.
[embeddedad0]"They all have their own strengths. His is size (is different)," Linehan said of Michael. "Very explosive back. I think he might be a guy can be utilized when we're going against some of those big-boy hard-boxes. His running style and his run training can help him move along in our offense."
Head coach Jason Garrett said Michael is "in that mix" to possibly play on Sunday, but said there are some other factors on the roster.
"We try to make it competitive for our players to see who is going to be up as the 46 guys on our roster," Garrett said. "(Michael) is doing well. I think he's learning it, and he's working very hard in practice. We'll make those determinations as the week goes on."
Nick Eatman is the author of the recently published ****If These Walls Could Talk: Dallas Cowboys***, a collection of stories from the Cowboys' locker room, sideline and press box, with a foreword written by Darren Woodson.*
