The Seattle Seahawks abandoned their pursuit of veteran running back Joe Mixon following a failed physical, deepening the team’s ongoing injury crisis in the backfield.
The Seattle Seahawks’ scramble to stabilize their backfield hit a definitive wall Monday when the team abruptly shelved plans to sign 30-year-old running back Joe Mixon. After inviting the veteran to work out on the morning of October 6. 2026. the organization’s medical staff performed a physical that ultimately derailed the deal.
Coach Mike Macdonald had openly acknowledged the team’s desperation earlier that day, stating, “We’re down runners. We need running backs. He’s a good running back.” By the end of the day, that necessity forced a pivot. The Seahawks are now moving to sign Robert Henry Jr. from the Washington Commanders’ practice squad and are adding former Ravens running back Dontate McMillan to their own practice squad to address the roster gap.
For Mixon. the failed physical marks the latest setback in a career that has stalled significantly since his departure from the Cincinnati Bengals. He was released by the Houston Texans in March 2026 after spending the entire 2025 season on the non-football injury list with a mysterious foot ailment. Houston general manager Nick Caserio previously described the injury as a “freak” occurrence. and by July. reports surfaced that the running back had confided in teammates about the possibility of never playing football again. This latest medical evaluation in Seattle casts fresh, heavy doubt on his future in the NFL.
The roster volatility in Seattle has reached a boiling point. The team, currently holding a 3-1 record, is managing an injury-riddled depth chart. Rookie running back Jadarian Price. a first-round draft pick this year. was placed on injured reserve Saturday after aggravating a chest injury during practice on Wednesday. Price had previously debuted in the opener against the New England Patriots. recording 52 yards on 10 carries and two catches for 6 yards in a 13-10 win. He played through the chest injury during a 31-7 victory against Arizona before fumbling in a 33-31 loss at Washington.
The depth issues extend to the practice squad, where Jacardia Wright is currently sidelined with a foot injury. Meanwhile. Zach Charbonnet remains unavailable for this Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers as he continues recovery from an ACL tear sustained during last year’s playoffs. despite being activated from the physically unable to perform list.
Emanuel Wilson served as the starter this past weekend, tallying 120 all-purpose yards with one rushing and one receiving touchdown. Behind him, George Holani has been elevated to second-string duties, while Velus Jones Jr. has been activated from the practice squad to fill the third-option slot. As the Seahawks prepare for their NFC West showdown against the 49ers. the team remains in a state of flux. forced to assemble a functional backfield on the fly.
Seattle Seahawks Joe Mixon NFL Robert Henry Jr Jadarian Price injury report NFL news Mike Macdonald