Making his Cowboys debut, Michael lost a yard on his only carry in Sunday's 26-20 loss to the Saints.

Lance Dunbar exited the game with what appeared to be a serious knee injury, leaving Michael as the No. 3 running back behind Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden, both of whom were ineffective. Dunbar's injury probably won't lead to many touches for Michael, so long as Randle and McFadden stay healthy. Of course, if the Dallas running game doesn't improve, Michael might eventually get a longer look.

Michael is active for Sunday's game in New Orleans, David Helman of the Cowboys' official website reports.

Inactive for the first three games, Michael took some first-team snaps during practice this week, but it will be surprising if he gets more than a handful of touches -- and even that may be generous -- in Sunday's game. Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar are also active, and all three are ahead of Michael on the depth chart.

Michael has received some snaps with the first-team offense in practice this week, DallasCowboys.com reports. "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," offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said Thursday.

The running back has been inactive for all three games so far since he was acquired from the Seahawks, but Michael could be getting closer to making his Cowboys debut. Joseph Randle is coming off a three-touchdown performance though, Lance Dunbar is off to an excellent start as the backfield pass-catching option and even Darren McFadden has done well when called upon, so barring an injury there wouldn't seem to be many snaps available for a fourth RB.

Michael is inactive for the Cowboys' Week 3 matchup against the Falcons.

Michael remains fourth on the Cowboys' running back depth chart and is thus unlikely to crack the active roster unless one of Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden, and Lance Dunbar succumb to an injury.

Michael is inactive for Sunday's game against the Giants, David Helman of DallasCowboys.com reports.

Acquired from the Seahawks in a trade last weekend, Michael will watch from the sidelines in his first game with the Cowboys. Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden are expected to lead the backfield, with Lance Dunbar getting some passing-down work.

Although Michael is listed behind Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden on the team's official depth chart, the coaching staff hasn't actually decided who will start Sunday's game against the Giants, the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram reports. "We won't outline anything before the game," coach Jason Garrett said. "We'll give each of those guys a chance over the course of the week to show us that they're worthy of opportunities."

It's still likely that Randle is the first back out of the huddle Sunday, but game flow and situation should dictate who among Randle, McFadden and Michael gets the most touches and has the most value. A clear starter could emerge as the season progresses, but for now using any member of the Dallas backfield in your lineup should be considered a high-risk play, albeit one with potentially high rewards as well.

The Seahawks have traded Michael to the Cowboys for a conditional draft pick, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Michael joins a Dallas backfield that already includes Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar, which puts him an injury or two away from fantasy utility, but given the quality of the team's offensive line, some of Michael's untapped potential could yield results for the Cowboys (and fantasy owners) as the season progresses.

The Seahawks are exploring trade options for Michael, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports.

With No. 2 running back Robert Turbin (knee) expected to miss the first few games of the season, there was perhaps some thought that Michael might get a chance to serve as Marshawn Lynch's top backup. Instead, the team signed Fred Jackson to a one-year contract, strongly suggesting that they don't trust Michael to fill the role. Though he was selected in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft and is an excellent raw athlete, Michael probably wouldn't bring back much of a return in a trade, as he's done little through the first two years of his career.

Michael apparently has earned no trust from the coaching staff to back up Marshawn Lynch, as the Seahawks are expected to sign Fred Jackson with Robert Turbin out with a high ankle sprain.

Michael can be an explosive runner, but in his third year he still is inconsistent with assignments, blocking and ball security. That the Seahawks would rather give the backup job to a 34-year-old running back on the downside of his career is quite an indictment.

Michael fumbled and rushed seven times for 15 yards in a disappointing performance Friday in Seattle's exhibition opener.

Michael ripped off a 12-yard run, but didn't do much with his other opportunities. In his defense, the ragged offensive line didn't give him much running room. The fumble, though, is on him, and to make matters worse, No. 3 RB Thomas Rawls impressed, scoring a touchdown on a 19-yard pass play. The Seahawks won't be quick to give up on Michael, but he is being pushed by Rawls for the final RB spot.

Michael has practiced more consistently in training camp, offensive line coach Tom Cable told the Seattle Times.

A second-round pick in 2013, Michael has been a bust. But Cable, who's not usually prone to platitudes, seems encouraged. "I see a kid who's growing up, and I'm excited about that," Cable said. "For him, as we've said in the past, when he can come out and do it day after day, he's going to have his breakthrough. We see that happening, and that's exciting." Michael is seemingly being pushed by undrafted free-agent Thomas Rawls for the No. 3 RB job, though the Seahawks haven't said that.

Michael saw his first action of the season Sunday, rushing twice for five yards in a loss to the Rams.

Michael was only active for the first time because of numerous injuries that sidelined teammates. And even with backup Robert Turbin playing fullback all game because of a pre-game injury to Derrick Coleman, Michael still only garnered two carries.

Michael is inactive for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

As usual, it will be Robert Turbin backing up Marshawn Lynch for the 'Hawks. Michael has yet to play this season.

Michael is inactive for Monday night's game against Washington.

Michael is a healthy scratch, with Robert Turbin slated to work as Marshawn Lynch's backup Monday.

Michael isn't listed on the Seahawks' injury report Thursday, Liz Mathews of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Michael missed the Seahawks' first three games of the season due to a hamstring issue. However, the time off afforded by a Week 4 bye has done wonders to the backfield, as only Marshawn Lynch was absent Wednesday with the non-injury designation. Michael will soon make his season debut next to Robert Turbin as a reserve running back.

Michael is inactive for Sunday's game against Denver, the Seahawks' official site reports.

Listed as probable heading into the game, Michael is clearly behind both Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin in the Seahawks' backfield mix.

Michael (hamstring) is probable for Sunday's game against Denver.

Michael logged limited practices Wednesday and Thursday and made a full practice appearance Friday, so he's definitely ready to play. Whether Seattle has much use for him at the moment is a less certain issue -- Marshawn Lynch (back) is probable for Sunday's game, and Robert Turbin played well off the bench through Seattle's first two games.

Michael (hamstring) was limited again in Thursday's practice, Liz Mathews of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Despite the hope that he would practice in full Thursday, Michael upheld the status quo, with a cap in his workload evident yet again. He's attempting to achieve active status for the first time this season, so another limited showing wouldn't surprise once the final injury report of the week is released Friday.

Michael (hamstring) is expected to practice in full Thursday, Liz Mathews of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Limited in his return to drills Wednesday, Michael is building up reps in preparation for his season debut Sunday against the Broncos. He'll initially work behind Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin, but in time, Michael could surpass Turbin for primary backup duties.

Michael (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, the Seattle Times' Bob Condotta reports.

With Marshawn Lynch dealing with an ongoing back issue, there's a chance there could be extra carries to be had in the Seattle backfield Sunday against Denver. However, given Michael's questionable health and Robert Turbin's use through the first two games, Turbin would likely be first in line to benefit by Lynch being limited.