Seahawks re-sign Christine Michael to bolster run game

RENTON, Wash. – The Seattle Seahawks signed former second-round draft pick Christine Michael to bolster an offensive backfield thinned by injuries to Marshawn Lynch and Thomas Rawls.

Coach Pete Carroll announced Michael’s signing Wednesday. The Seahawks traded Michael to Dallas at the end of training camp after he lost out to Rawls for the backup spot to Lynch.

Michael’s return is a surprise after the trade seemed to cut all the ties with Seattle. He was drafted in 2013 with the idea that he could eventually be Lynch’s replacement but never matched the potential he flashed at Texas A&M. Michael had 52 carries for 254 yards in his two seasons with Seattle. Michael appeared in five games with Dallas this season and had 51 yards on 15 carries.

Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor sat out practice Wednesday with a tailbone injury suffered in last Sunday’s win over Baltimore.

Chancellor was one of three starters on defense that did not participate because of injuries. Cornerback DeShawn Shead (ankle) and defensive end Michael Bennett (toe) also sat out.

Carroll said he expects Shead and Bennett to play this week against Cleveland, but Chancellor would be watched as the week goes on. If Chancellor can’t play, Kelcie McCray would likely start in his place.

Tight end Luke Willson was a limited participant with a rib injury. Willson was initially diagnosed with bruised ribs and had an MRI Monday that revealed more, but Carroll would not elaborate.