RENTON, Wash. -- With their running back situation in flux, the Seattle Seahawks brought back a familiar face Wednesday, signing veteran Christine Michael.

A second-round pick in 2013, Michael spent two seasons with the Seahawks before the team traded him to the Dallas Cowboys in August. With Thomas Rawls (broken ankle) out for the season, Michael now has a chance to contribute.

"He's been with us for a long time, so he does have a lot of background," coach Pete Carroll said. "That doesn't mean he's going to be the featured guy or starter or anything like that. He's just coming in here and trying to help us out, and we'll see how that works out. But it is good to be able to pull somebody in that has that kind of background."

Michael carried 52 times for 254 yards (4.9 YPC) in his first two seasons. He had 51 yards on 15 carries in five games this season with the Cowboys before being let go. Michael spent time on Washington's practice squad but was released earlier this week.

"It was just wild," Christine Michael said about getting a call to return to the injury-riddled Seahawks backfield. Michael was traded by Seattle to the Cowboys in August and had 20 yards on five carries against Seattle in a 13-12 loss on Nov. 1. Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports

He was asked about getting the call from the Seahawks.

"It was just wild," Michael said. "I was, believe it or not, keeping up with Seattle throughout the whole season.

"It is a humbling experience. Just have to evaluate myself, and I've just got to do things right."

Marshawn Lynch continues to rehab off-site from surgery associated with a sports hernia. He could return at some point in the coming weeks or in the playoffs.

On Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, it will be Michael and Bryce Brown carrying the load, with veteran Fred Jackson handling third-down duties.