Christine

Michael

The BattleHawks are coached by Jonathan Hayes. Headlining St. Louis’ squad are RBs Christine Michael and Matt Jones, QB Taylor Heinicke, WR L’Damian Washington, P Marquette King, WR De’Mornay Pierson-El, S Will Hill, LB Terence Garvin, and DE Will Clarke. This might be the most talented on-paper XFL team. C-Mike and Jones were both dynasty fantasy darlings in their short NFL careers, but neither was able to make much of their talents in the big leagues.

Former NFLers Trevone Boykin, Lance Dunbar, Kony Ealy, Landry Jones, Keith Mumphery and Aaron Ripkowski were also in attendance for Friday’s workout. Michael had a brief stint with the Colts last year but was cut two weeks into the season and never resurfaced. Vince McMahon’s XFL reboot is slated to begin in 2020.

It’s a likely indication that Marlon Mack (hamstring) will return this week. The Colts will move forward with Mack, Jordan Wilkins, and Nyheim Hines.

As we see so often, blocking can be a stumbling block for rookie backs trying to climb the depth chart. ESPN’s Mike Sando expects Robert Turbin to stick as Marshawn Lynch’s primary backup. "[Michael] has not done as much pass protection work as we’d like,” Carroll said. “When we looked at Robert last year, we felt the same way, but Robert came on really strong as a pass-blocker, so we hope to do the same thing with Christine.” Michael remains a strong Dynasty stash as a more talented natural runner than Turbin.

The motion was originally expected to be heard yesterday and a jury trial was scheduled for June 21. Now the entire case has been pushed back and there’s no trial date set, making it possible that this bleeds into training camp. It creates a hairy situation for fantasy owners, as Lynch could be facing a suspension from the league if he’s found guilty. Robert Turbin and Christine Michael are taking the reps at OTAs this week as Lynch trains on his own.

Marshawn Lynch’s participation has been hit or miss, but it’s a possible indication Michael will have an opportunity to unseat Robert Turbin for the primary backup job. Pete Carroll is a devoted believer in the best-competitor-will-play philosophy. Michael is also a more talented runner than Turbin.

Whereas fellow Combine star Knile Davis’ college game tape was thoroughly unimpressive, workout wonder Michael was outstanding on the field at Texas A&M. He possesses lateral and vertical explosion with hammer-dropping power. As good as Robert Turbin was as a rookie -- and he was excellent -- we wouldn’t be surprised if Michael passed him on the depth chart this year. He’s a better runner. At the moment, Turbin is better in pass protection.

Truly inexplicable. Michael put on a show in Indy, posting a 43-inch vertical leap, 4.54 40-yard dash, 10-foot-5 broad jump and 27 reps on the bench press. But he spent his senior year deep in coach Kevin Sumlin’s doghouse, and is sorely lacking in maturity. He has talent worth gambling on, but teams are unlikely to do so before day three.

We won’t speculate, but NFL teams will get to the bottom of this. Michael has a history of character concerns and landed in coach Kevin Sumlin’s doghouse last season despite immense talent. He could still be a mid-round value pick. Michael is powerful, explosive, and has elusive running ability.

Michael, who stands 5-foot-11, 213, also finished as a Combine “top performer” in the broad jump (10-foot-5), three-cone drill (6.69), 20-yard shuttle (4.02), and bench press (27 reps). He ran a 4.54 “official” forty. Michael spent 2012 in Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin’s doghouse, but possesses NFL-caliber size, speed, and athleticism. He’s a bit of a late-round sleeper.