Seahawks deploy Shaheed at tailback as Price injury forces roster scramble

Key points

• Rashid Shaheed recorded 33 rushing yards and a 28-yard touchdown in Week 4, fulfilling a pre-planned role as a tailback.
• Rookie running back Jadarian Price was placed on injured reserve with an upper-rib injury sustained during a swing pass in Week 2.
• GM John Schneider stated Price is expected to miss at least four games, with a potential return against Chicago in Week 8.
• The Seahawks are evaluating veteran Joe Mixon, who has not played since the 2024 season, as a short-term replacement.
• Zach Charbonnet remains on the physically-unable-to-perform list following reconstructive knee surgery in February.

Background

The Seahawks have faced significant roster volatility this season. In August, they placed Bud Clark and Mason Richman on injured reserve and waived undrafted running back Anthony Hankerson, who sought to return to college via the transfer portal. These earlier moves highlighted depth issues that have now been exacerbated by the injuries to Price and Charbonnet.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports emphasizes that the use of Shaheed at tailback was a deliberate strategic choice from training camp, highlighting his speed and agility in the broken field. The Tacoma News Tribune focuses on the injury mechanics, detailing how Price was injured by Arizona's L.J. Collier and noting the team's skepticism regarding a season-ending prognosis. The official Seahawks site provided minimal detail on the running back situation, focusing instead on defensive tackle Leonard Williams' ankle injury and the inactives list for the game. ESPN's source was unavailable due to a server error, offering no additional perspective.

Why it matters

The reliance on a receiver for rushing duties signals a critical depth issue at running back for Seattle. While Price's return is expected, the interim solution involving a veteran who has not played in over a year raises questions about the team's offensive stability during a crucial stretch of the season.

What to watch

The Seahawks will likely continue to evaluate Joe Mixon and other practice squad options, including Robert Henry Jr., for the upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers. Price is not expected to return until at least Week 8, while Charbonnet remains on the physically-unable-to-perform list.