What It Means:

As has been the case his entire career, Michael probably has the widest range of outcomes among running backs this season. With Thomas Rawls' (ankle) status completely up in the air, it is not out of the question Michael opens the season as the starter after showing well down the stretch last year. It is also not crazy to think he loses his roster spot to the three rookies Seattle added in the draft. Ultimately, we would expect Michael to stick around and have a role, but it is not a given.

Among the five Seattle running backs with at least 20 carries last season, Michael ranked second behind Rawls in Rushing Net Expected Points per attempt. He had 54 totes for 243 yards on the ground.