Minnesota Vikings Lose Christine Michael to Packers

Oct 16, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Christine Michael (32) rushes against the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Atlanta, 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Christine Michael (32) rushes against the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Atlanta, 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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After the former Seahawk running back was cut Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings put in a claim to pick up Christine Michael. Unfortunately they were edged out by the Packers who were higher on the waiver order.

We have all seen the issues in the Minnesota Vikings running game this season. Most of that lies on the patchwork offensive line and the absence of Adrian Peterson.

After the Seattle Seahawks cut running back Christine Michael tuesday, he was up for grabs on the waiver wire for any team in the league. The way the waiver order works is according to last year’s regular season record.

That in it self, gave the Vikings a small chance to land Michael. Being far back in line it seemed as if some team would be claiming the running back before the Vikings had a chance. That is what happened.

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Our NFC North neighbors, the Green Bay Packers claimed Christine Michael. That makes sense with all of the injury trouble they have had all year, especially at the running back position. First Eddie Lacy going to season ending IR, then James Starks in and out with recurring injuries, their undrafted rookie backup Don Jackson now on IR, and them resorting to using a wide receiver in the backfield. The Packers even traded for ex Chiefs running back Knile Davis, before cutting him weeks later.

The Vikings could use a back like Michael in the stable. He is explosive and has great stop and go burst. The question is, who would have Michael replaced? It does not seem that the Vikings would have kept 4 running backs on the roster. Does this mean the Vikings do not have great confidence in Adrian Peterson coming back this year?

It would have been nice to see Michael in the backfield and see what he could do. He had struggled in the last couple weeks, but that was also due to bad line play in Seattle.

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The real question is when, if at all, is Adrian Peterson coming back? Even with this offensive line, the threat of Peterson in the backfield will create one on one matchups for our receivers. The play action game would be amazing. Hopefully we hear something about his status soon.