Seahawks' Desperate Search for Kenneth Walker Replacement Ends in Fresh Disaster With 9,800-Yard Playmaker 1
Veteran running back Joe Mixon arrived in Seattle this week as the possible answer to a growing problem. The Seahawks had just beaten the Los Angeles Chargers 30-23, yet their backfield still looked thin. A practice squad deal appeared close after his Monday workout.
By Tuesday, the plan had changed. The reason points to a bigger concern for the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Seahawks back out of Joe Mixon practice squad deal
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that Seattle decided against signing Mixon to its practice squad after he underwent a physical. Mixon remains a free agent.
Neither the team nor the report explained what the exam showed. Mixon is 30 and has not played since January 2025. A foot and ankle issue erased his 2025 season, and Houston released him in March.
Joe Mixon
Feb 2, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC running back Joe Mixon of the Houston Texans (28) carries the ball against NFC linebacker Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers (54) during the 2025 Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald kept the door open on Monday. Mixon was “going through the process right now,” he said.
Mixon, a two-time Pro Bowler, ran for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns for Houston in 2024. He owns roughly 9,800 career scrimmage yards. Seattle still passed.
Instead, the Seahawks plan to add Robert Henry Jr. from the Commanders’ practice squad, per ESPN’s Brady Henderson. The UTSA rookie has not taken an NFL snap. Emanuel Wilson and George Holani lead the room for now.
Rookie Jadarian Price is on injured reserve with a chest injury. Zach Charbonnet is practicing again after tearing his ACL in January, but Macdonald has ruled him out for Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.
The search feels sharper because Seattle’s old lead back is thriving elsewhere.
Kenneth Walker thrives with Chiefs as Seahawks searches for answers
Kenneth Walker left Seattle as the Super Bowl MVP and agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $45 million with Kansas City Chiefs, per the Associated Press.
He ran for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns in 2025, then gained 313 rushing yards and scored four times in the playoffs.
Kenneth Walker III
Oct 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs for a twenty-two touchdown against Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images
Kansas City opened with a 31-10 win over Denver, and Walker ran 23 times for 173 yards and a score. He added three catches for 18 yards and a receiving touchdown. It was the biggest rushing day by a Chiefs back since Jamaal Charles in 2012, according to KCTV.
Seattle hosts Walker and the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football on Oct. 25. That game gives the Seahawks a close look at the back who left in free agency.
Seattle moves on at 3-1 and hosts the 49ers on Sunday. San Francisco enters 4-0 after beating Denver 24-14, while the Seahawks still wait on Charbonnet and Price to return
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