Seahawks Revisit Joe Mixon Signing After Initial Physical Rejection

Key points

• Joe Mixon has reached an agreement to join the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad, according to reporters Jordan Schultz and Adam Schefter.
• The signing was finalized shortly after first-round rookie Jadarian Price was placed on injured reserve with a chest injury.
• Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed the move, noting the team is 'going through the process' of the signing.
• Mixon, 30, missed the entire 2025 season with a foot injury and was released by the Houston Texans in March 2026.
• The Seahawks previously declined to sign Mixon after an initial physical, opting instead to sign Robert Henry Jr. from Washington.
• Mixon’s career stats include 7,429 rushing yards and 74 touchdowns over eight seasons, with a Pro Bowl selection in 2024.

Background

The Seahawks faced a significant backfield crisis in early October 2026. After placing rookie Jadarian Price on injured reserve with a chest injury, the team initially explored signing Joe Mixon but reportedly passed on him following a physical examination, instead signing Robert Henry Jr. from the Washington Commanders. This decision was made despite the team’s reliance on Emanuel Wilson and the return of Zach Charbonnet from an ACL tear. The current signing of Mixon represents a reversal of that earlier stance, suggesting the medical concerns were resolved or the team’s need for depth outweighed the initial hesitation. This follows a pattern of the Seahawks filling roster spots with free agents, including cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Trevon Diggs, to address injuries and performance issues.

How outlets are covering it

Pro Football Rumors and NFL.com report that the Seahawks have reached an agreement to sign Joe Mixon to the practice squad, with Mike Macdonald confirming the move. ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo corroborate that Mixon is on track to join the 16-man taxi squad after a medical exam. Fox News frames the signing as a 'desperate' move due to the backfield's collapse, highlighting Mixon’s off-field history, including a 2014 assault charge and a 2023 not-guilty verdict on a menacing charge. In contrast, earlier archive reports from October 5 and 6 stated that the Seahawks declined to sign Mixon after a physical, opting for Robert Henry Jr. This discrepancy suggests a change in the team’s medical evaluation or a shift in roster strategy between the initial rejection and the final agreement. The primary sources emphasize the medical uncertainty surrounding Mixon’s foot injury, while Fox News focuses on the team’s desperation and Mixon’s controversial past.

Why it matters

The signing of Joe Mixon addresses a critical depth issue for the Seattle Seahawks, who are navigating a competitive NFC West division. With first-round pick Jadarian Price on injured reserve and Zach Charbonnet still recovering from an ACL tear, the team needed a reliable veteran to stabilize the running game. Mixon’s experience and proven ability to produce 1,000-yard seasons make him a valuable asset, even if his current physical condition is uncertain. The move also reflects the Seahawks’ willingness to take risks on players with off-field histories, as seen with cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Trevon Diggs. This signing could impact the team’s performance in the short term and provide a long-term solution if Mixon can return to form. It also highlights the importance of medical evaluations in the NFL, as the team’s initial rejection and subsequent agreement suggest a complex decision-making process.

What to watch

Joe Mixon is expected to complete a medical exam and join the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad. The team will monitor his progress and decide whether to elevate him to the active roster, using up to three practice squad elevations. Zach Charbonnet is expected to return to play by Week 5, following his 21-day practice window. The Seahawks will continue to manage their backfield depth, with Emanuel Wilson and George Holani also in the mix. The team’s performance in the coming weeks will determine whether Mixon’s signing was a successful move or a temporary fix. The NFL will also monitor the team’s roster moves, as the Seahawks have been active in signing free agents with off-field histories.