Seahawks halt Joe Mixon signing after physical, turn to Robert Henry

Key points

• ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Seahawks opted not to sign Joe Mixon after he completed a physical with the team, despite head coach Mike Macdonald previously stating the team was 'going through the process' of signing him.
• The decision to pass on Mixon comes after Seattle placed rookie running back Jadarian Price on injured reserve with a chest injury, leaving the backfield thin.
• The Seahawks are reportedly signing Robert Henry from the Washington Commanders' practice squad to fill the void, though the deal has not been officially announced.
• Mixon, who missed the entire 2025 season with a foot injury, had previously recorded five 1,000-yard rushing seasons with the Bengals and Texans.
• Seattle's current active roster running backs include Emanuel Wilson, George Holani, and Velus Jones, while Zach Charbonnet is in his practice window returning from a torn ACL.

Background

This development follows a period of uncertainty regarding Mixon's fitness after he sat out the 2025 season. Earlier archive reports indicated the Seahawks initially rejected Mixon after a physical, then briefly reversed course before the final decision to pass on him. The team's backfield crisis was triggered by the injury to Jadarian Price, a first-round pick, and the departure of Kenneth Walker III in free agency.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports and NFL.com initially reported that the Seahawks were in the process of signing Mixon to the practice squad following a tryout. Fox News emphasized the desperation of the move, noting the team's backfield was 'running on fumes' after losing Walker and Price. However, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Seahawks changed course after the physical, opting not to move forward with the deal. The outlets differ on the finality of the decision, with earlier reports suggesting a signing was imminent, while later reports confirm the team passed on Mixon in favor of Robert Henry.

Why it matters

The decision highlights the Seattle Seahawks' struggle to maintain depth in their running back room after losing key players to injury and free agency. Signing a veteran like Mixon would have provided immediate experience, but the team's hesitation after the physical suggests concerns about his fitness or long-term value. The move to sign Robert Henry indicates a preference for a younger, potentially healthier option, though it may not provide the same level of production as a veteran like Mixon.

What to watch

The Seattle Seahawks are expected to officially announce the signing of Robert Henry from the Washington Commanders' practice squad. The team will also monitor the progress of Zach Charbonnet, who is in his 21-day practice window returning from a torn ACL. If Henry does not provide sufficient depth, the Seahawks may revisit the idea of signing Mixon or other free-agent running backs.