Seattle coach Pete Carroll is really fired up about Seahawks running back Alex Collins, who could get more looks with Rashaad Penny injured.
The Seahawks re-signed running back Alex Collins this spring to add some veteran depth to the backfield after he helped Seattle out last season. With Rashaad Penny still sitting out practices with a thigh injury, Collins is getting another shot to make his case.
“Alex is doing really well,” coach Pete Carroll told reporters on Tuesday. “We loved him as he had a chance to kind of spark last year at the end of the season. He has done nothing but good stuff. He’s a really good football player.
“He’s got great sense, he’s got terrific feet, he catches the ball well, he’s a willing and able blocker in pass protection.”
And it’s not just his ball skills that impress Carroll, it’s what he’s able to do as far as morale in a leadership role.
“He’s got a great spirit he brings to the team,” Carroll said. “He’s doing really well. I’m fired up about him.”
If Penny is unable to return in time to face the Raiders on Saturday, expect to see more of Collins and his handiwork.
The Seattle Seahawks are adding a veteran running back to the assist in the backfield after all. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport are both reporting the Seahawks will be signing free agent, Carlos Hyde.
Hyde began his career in San Francisco where he spent his first four years before stops in Cleveland, Jacksonville and finally Houston.
The Seahawks had apparently made an offer to free-agent running back Devonta Freeman, who was looking for a larger contract and turned Seattle down. Now, it’s Hyde who can earn up to $4 million on his one-year deal in Seattle.
Hyde will provide added insurance to Seattle’s running back room, which saw season-ending injuries to Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny and C.J. Prosise last year.
It’s clear that Yeldon doesn’t have the ability to be a lone lead back for a franchise, he would fit best in a committee. His pass-catchi…
As he enters his sixth year in the NFL, former Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon continues to have a difficult time finding his niche in a professional backfield.
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Yeldon in the 2015 NFL draft with the No. 36 pick in the second round. The Jaguars did not have big plans for the Alabama product. He sat behind Chris Ivory and Leonard Fournette consecutively.
His rookie season in 2015 was his best season in the league. He had his career highs in carries (182), the most yards (740) and tied for the most amount of touchdowns he’s scored in a season (2).
Those unimpressive stats are likely what started the decline in Yeldon’s opportunities to see the field and make plays, which ultimately led to him deciding to leave Jacksonville in search of a team that would help broadcast his talent and value him as a key member of the offense.
Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
In the 2019 offseason, Yeldon signed a two-year deal with the Buffalo Bills worth $3.2 million.
After seeing how his first season went with the Bills, where he played under Frank Gore and rookie Devin Singletary, it’s safe to say there won’t be any more after the 2020 season.
Yeldon posted 17 carries for 63 yards along with 13 receptions for 124 yards. The versatility is there, but doesn’t carry enough weight to move him up the depth chart.
As the 2020 season gets closer, it appears as if Yeldon’s role continues to be in question.
Gore left the Bills to sign with in-division rival Jets. However, there is still Singletary, who is expected to take the lead, and Buffalo’s 2020 third-round pick, Zack Moss from Utah.
Yeldon may seem like a lost cause to some or a reserve player to others, but Bills head coach Sean McDermott believes Yeldon can contribute.
After the 2020 season, Yeldon becomes an unrestricted free agent. He will likely, once again, search for a backfield where he will be utilized.
Photo credit: Jami Germano/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
It’s clear that Yeldon doesn’t have the ability to be a solo lead back for a franchise, he would fit best in a committee. His pass-catching abilities out of the backfield would make him an interesting addition to any team.
He will have to find a team that is looking towards the future. There’s no point in joining a team that’s an immediate playoff contender because they likely already have their guy.
It is also important to not assume the role of a “transitional running back.” Bouncing around the league from team to team to fill a hole for a season or two per team may work for Ryan Fitzpatrick, but it’s difficult to make a career out of it. He’ll have to find a team that wants him for as long as he wants to play.
Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on all things Alabama in the NFL and informed on what the next step for Yeldon will be!
The Seattle Seahawks finished the year with three running backs on the injured reserve, begging the question, is durability a concern?
The Seattle Seahawks suffered blow after blow to their run game last year when they lost three running backs to season-ending injuries. Seattle had to find replacements for starter Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny and C.J. Prosise.
The Seahawks brought back a couple of well-known veterans, including Marshawn Lynch, who found a way to punch himself into the endzone much to the pleasure of Seattle fans everywhere.
But heading into the 2020 NFL season, the question remains, is durability still a concern for the Seahawks running backs?
With no on-field activities yet this spring, Carson, Penny and Prosise have some extra time to recuperate before returning to practice. Out of extra precaution, however, Seattle looked to the NFL draft for a little insurance at the position.
“He’s a guy with a really big attitude and personality about it and try hard and effort and all of that,” coach Pete Carroll said after the draft. “That was the mix. He’s been a wildcat guy back there in the backfield. That just adds to the makeup that he brings that makes him unique. That’s kind of the guys that we love to fall for. Hopefully, he will contribute in many ways. Versatility is a big deal with him.”
As we inch closer to training camp, we’ll have a better idea of the health statutes of the injured players will hopefully have gotten a glimpse at the rookie running back’s ball-handling skills.
