Seahawks Finalize Signing of Commanders' Robert Henry Jr. to Address Backfield Depth

Key points

• The Seattle Seahawks officially signed Robert Henry Jr. from the Washington Commanders' practice squad on October 6, 2026.
• Henry, an undrafted free agent from UTSA, failed to make the Commanders' 53-man roster and was waived at the start of the regular season.
• The signing was necessitated by the placement of 2026 first-round pick Jadarian Price on injured reserve and the decision not to sign veteran Joe Mixon after a physical.
• To make room for Henry on the active roster, the Seahawks waived safety AJ Finley for the second time in six weeks.
• The team also moved running back Jacardia Wright to the practice squad injured reserve, creating an open practice squad spot.
• Safety Ty Okada participated fully in practice for the first time this season, potentially signaling a return for Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers.

Background

The Seattle Seahawks have faced significant challenges in their running back department during the 2026 season. Earlier in October, the team placed first-round pick Jadarian Price on injured reserve with a chest injury, expected to keep him out for at least four games. Additionally, veteran Zach Charbonnet is on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list recovering from a torn ACL, though he has begun his 21-day practice window. The team had previously considered signing veteran Joe Mixon but declined after a physical examination revealed lingering foot issues. The recent signing of Robert Henry Jr. follows a series of roster adjustments, including the waiver of safety AJ Finley, who had been promoted to the active roster earlier in the season due to secondary injuries. The Seahawks' practice squad was initially established in late August, featuring players like Trevon Diggs and several rookies, but has undergone changes due to injuries and performance evaluations.

Why it matters

The signing of Robert Henry Jr. highlights the Seattle Seahawks' urgent need to stabilize their running back corps amid multiple injuries and underperformance. With Jadarian Price out for at least four games and Zach Charbonnet on the PUP list, the team's reliance on Emanuel Wilson and the inconsistent play of George Holani has exposed vulnerabilities in their offensive strategy. Henry's addition provides a fresh option that could contribute immediately, potentially altering the team's game plan against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5. The move also reflects the broader trend of teams making mid-season adjustments to address depth issues, particularly in critical positions like running back. The waiver of AJ Finley and the movement of Jacardia Wright to the practice squad injured reserve further illustrate the dynamic nature of roster management in the NFL, where teams must balance immediate needs with long-term development.

What to watch

The Seattle Seahawks are expected to fill the open practice squad spot created by the movement of Jacardia Wright to the practice squad injured reserve. The team will also monitor the progress of Ty Okada, who participated fully in practice for the first time this season, to determine if he will return to the lineup for Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers. Additionally, the Seahawks will continue to evaluate the performance of Robert Henry Jr. and other running backs to determine the optimal rotation for the remainder of the season. The team's next game against the 49ers will be a key test for their offensive strategy and the effectiveness of their recent roster adjustments.