Seahawk Running Backs

Watching the first two games of the pre-season it is hard to know how the Seahawks running backs will do this coming season. Neither Chris Carson nor Rashaad Penny has played a lot.

Carson has looked better in his brief appearances but it doesn’t mean a lot; for one thing, Penny has had to run behind the second string which isn’t a good thing. Since he was a first-round pick last year I know a lot of fans have doubts in Penny. Being a first-round pick didn’t automatically have Penny as the starter though I am sure many of us thought he should be.

Both Carson and Penny should have many yards on the season. Carson will be the first one on the field as the starter. Penny likely will come in the second or third possession though the Seahawks may bring him in on third down in the first possession.

The Seahawks have been working on getting Carson the ball more on passing downs. Penny had done well in the passing game already however having both excel well help the Seahawks and the players.

Having Carson and Penny on the team is good because Carson is a punishing back on short downs while Penny can break for long gains. If both players can carry the ball for about the same amount it will help out tremendously. Being two different types of runners will allow the Seahawks to change up things.

JD McKissic may look to be the Seahawks third or fourth running back. With his speed, they can put him out as a receiver as well. He will probably be on kickoffs and may spell Tyler Lockett on punt returns as well. His spot isn’t assured but I feel he will be there. He will probably run the ball three to five times a game.

Travis Homer the Seahawks drafted in the sixth round this year may be the third back as well. He may come in on third downs when taking out Carson or Penny out of the game. Again he wouldn’t run the ball too many times depending on whether Carson or Penny stays healthy. Homer makes the team primarily for his work on special teams.

CJ Prosise is still on the roster; however, again he has spent most of his time on the sidelines. He has more talent than McKissic or Homer, so he would be the right choice if he stayed healthy. This is his last chance to make it for the Seahawks. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is released by the Seahawks.

Another running back is Bo Scarbrough a free agent out of Alabama. He was a favorite of mine while in college. Though I am rooting for him his chances making the team is not as great as the rest of the running backs.

Xavier Turner is another running back the Seahawks signed as a free agent after being released by the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals signed him as a college free agent. The Seahawks like Turner so he does have a chance to make it. How much we will see.

Nick Bellore is listed as the only fullback on the Seahawks roster. He is a veteran who can play linebacker as well. The reason he makes the team will have to do with special teams and his flexibility.

Carson and Penny are the only sure guys to make the Seahawks at running back. The Seahawks may go with three or four running backs. If they go with five will depend on how many wide receivers they go with as well.

We will have the answers in just over a week after the next two pre-season games. The Seahawks play the Charges in Los Angeles this Saturday followed by facing the Oakland Raiders at home next Thursday. Look forward to seeing the running backs go this season. Go Hawks!