Seahawks reverse course to sign Joe Mixon after initial physical rejection

Key points

• Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that Joe Mixon is 'going through the process' of signing with the practice squad, contradicting earlier reports that Seattle had declined him after a physical exam.
• The decision follows the placement of first-round rookie Jadarian Price on injured reserve with a chest injury, which requires him to miss at least four games, potentially until Week 8.
• Seattle initially signed undrafted rookie Robert Henry Jr. from the Washington Commanders' practice squad to address immediate depth issues after rejecting Mixon.
• Mixon, 30, missed the entire 2025 season with a foot injury but had a Pro Bowl year with the Houston Texans in 2024, rushing for 1,016 yards.
• The signing adds to a backfield already featuring Emanuel Wilson, George Holani, and returning star Zach Charbonnet, who is in his practice window for an ACL recovery.

Background

The Seahawks' backfield has been in turmoil since the 2026 NFL Draft, with the loss of Kenneth Walker III in free agency and the subsequent injury to Jadarian Price. Earlier in October, the team had already explored using wide receiver Rashid Shaheed as a tailback and signed Robert Henry Jr. to stabilize the unit. This latest move represents a second attempt to secure Mixon, following an initial rejection based on medical concerns, highlighting the urgency of the situation as the team seeks to stabilize its rushing attack before the bye week.

How outlets are covering it

Outlets reported conflicting timelines regarding the signing. Seattle Sports and ESPN initially reported that the Seahawks declined Mixon after a physical exam, leading to the signing of Robert Henry Jr. However, subsequent reports from NFL.com and Fox News indicated that Seattle reversed this decision, with Macdonald confirming that Mixon is now progressing through the signing process. Fox News emphasized the desperation of the move, noting that Seattle is 'throwing another chance' at a 30-year-old veteran with a significant off-field history, including a 2014 assault incident and a 2023 not-guilty verdict on a menacing charge. In contrast, NFL.com focused on the logistical aspect, noting that Mixon will start on the practice squad to work into shape, while Sportsnet.ca highlighted the statistical pedigree of Mixon's previous 1,000-yard seasons. The divergence in reporting suggests a rapid shift in the team's medical evaluation of Mixon within a 24-hour window.

Why it matters

This transaction underscores the volatility of the Seattle Seahawks' 2026 roster construction. By reversing a medical rejection to sign a veteran who missed an entire season, the team signals that the injury to Jadarian Price is a severe enough crisis to override standard fitness protocols. The move also highlights the risks associated with signing players with complex off-field histories, as the team prioritizes immediate depth over long-term stability. For Mixon, it represents a final opportunity to return to the NFL after a year away, while for Seattle, it is a stopgap measure to maintain competitive viability in the running game until Charbonnet returns or Price recovers.

What to watch

The next critical step is the completion of Mixon's medical exam, which will determine if he is officially added to the practice squad. If he clears the exam, he will likely spend time in the practice squad to regain game shape, with a potential promotion to the active roster if his fitness improves. The Seahawks will also monitor the recovery of Zach Charbonnet, who is in his 21-day practice window, and the progress of Jadarian Price, who is expected to be re-evaluated for a return in Week 8. The team's performance in the running game against the San Francisco 49ers will be a key indicator of whether the Mixon signing was a successful stopgap or a necessary long-term adjustment.