Seahawks Move to Sign Veteran Running Back Joe Mixon

The Seattle Seahawks plan to sign veteran running back Joe Mixon to their practice squad, provided he passes a physical exam, sources told ESPN. The prospective move follows a workout with the team on Monday as Seattle copes with multiple injuries across its backfield.

Seattle is working to restock its running back depth after placing rookie starter Jadarian Price on injured reserve over the weekend. Mixon, a 30-year-old Pro Bowler, spent Monday undergoing evaluation at the team’s facility.

Mixon’s Workout and Roster Additions

Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Monday that Mixon worked out for the organization. “Joe worked out this morning and he’s going through the process right now,” Macdonald said regarding the pending deal.

Mixon was released by the Houston Texans in March after missing the entire 2025 season because of a foot injury. During his previous active season in 2024, Mixon earned Pro Bowl selection after rushing for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns for Houston. Prior to his tenure with the Texans, Mixon played seven seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals, who drafted him in the second round in 2017.

In addition to Mixon, the Seahawks plan to acquire running back Robert Henry Jr. off the Washington Commanders’ practice squad, according to a source who spoke to ESPN. Henry is an undrafted rookie out of UTSA.

Injury Troubles in Seattle’s Backfield

The roster moves follow an injury to Price, Seattle’s first-round draft pick and top running back. Price sustained a chest injury and was placed on injured reserve on Saturday, ruling him out for at least three games. However, Seahawks general manager John Schneider stated during a Sunday radio broadcast on Seattle Sports 710-AM that the team does not view the injury as a “season-ending thing at all.”

Seattle’s depth issues extend to its practice squad, where Jacardia Wright—the only running back previously on the unit—is dealing with a foot injury, a source told ESPN.

Addressing the team’s search for backfield help, Macdonald cited the personnel shortage directly. “We’re down runners,” Macdonald said, adding, “We need running backs. He’s a good running back.”

With Price sidelined, Emanuel Wilson has taken over as Seattle’s primary running back, backed up by George Holani and Velus Jones Jr., who was recently added from the practice squad. Meanwhile, Zach Charbonnet is recovering from an ACL tear suffered in last season’s playoffs. Although Charbonnet returned to practice last Thursday after missing four games on the physically unable to perform list, Macdonald stated he will not play in this weekend’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Recent Game Performance and Roster Health

Despite the injuries, Seattle won 30-23 against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Wilson led the rushing attack with 81 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown, while also catching three passes for 39 yards and a receiving score.

On defense, defensive tackle Leonard Williams sustained an ankle injury during Sunday’s victory. Macdonald provided an update on Monday, expressing optimism about Williams’ availability for the upcoming game against San Francisco, though his condition will be monitored throughout the week.

Background

Joe Mixon spent seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals before joining the Houston Texans ahead of the 2024 season. After earning a Pro Bowl selection that year, a foot injury kept him off the field for all of 2025, leading to his release in March. Seattle’s move to recruit veteran depth comes as head coach Mike Macdonald navigates multiple backfield injuries early in the season.