Christine Michael Released by Cowboys: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

Christine Michael's disappointing tenure with the Dallas Cowboys is over after the team released the running back Tuesday, per Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. ESPN.com's Todd Archer confirmed the report.  

A source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport the Cowboys cut ties with Michael and cornerback Corey White for "playing and locker room reasons."

On Wednesday, Rapport reported Michael had cleared waivers and is now a free agent. 

Michael rushed for 51 yards on 15 carries in his five games for Dallas. According to Pro Football Focus, he played just 26 snaps in those five games, including six over the last two weeks. David Helman of DallasCowboys.com noted how the team originally had big plans for Michael:

Ed Werder of ESPN noted Michael's release will allow former Seahawk Rodney Smith to move up the depth chart. In that respect, this move seems like a bit of a gamble.

Smith has carried the ball twice in his NFL career, leaving the Cowboys with a very inexperienced backup option behind Darren McFadden. Considering McFadden's injury history, Smith might be pressed to take a significant role in Dallas' offense at some point.

Either the Cowboys plan on signing a veteran in the coming days to serve as McFadden's backup, or they were simply dissatisfied with how Michael was impacting the team.

Although immensely talented, Michael has failed to establish himself as a consistent runner in the NFL. NFL.com's Alex Gelhar assumed this puts to rest the idea Michael remains an undervalued commodity on the precipice of a breakout:

The fact the 25-year-old failed to beat out McFadden for the Cowboys' starting running back job is a somewhat damning indictment regarding his future in the league. He didn't have to contend with a Pro Bowl-caliber player like Marshawn Lynch in the backfield this time around.

Michael might receive another chance in the league down the line, but it's unlikely to come at this stage of the season, with most teams having sorted out their rosters and planned for any emergency in the event of injury.