Now that rookie first-round pick Rashaad Penny is out for at least the remainder of the preseason to injury, it certainly looks like the Seattle Seahawks will look in another direction to start the regular year.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, that includes second-year running back Chris Carson being Seattle’s starting running back Week 1.
From Total Access: The fallout from today’s successful finger surgery for #Seahawks RB Rashaad Penny. pic.twitter.com/oBIw1HRUN7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 16, 2018
Not only that, Rapoport referred to Carson as the Seahawks’ “bellcow” back.
A seventh-round pick in last year’s draft, Carson averaged 4.2 yards in limited action as a rookie last season. He had performed better than Penny during camp prior to the rookie going down to injury.
This is as much a representation of Seattle reaching for Penny in the first round as it is Carson’s ability to be a top-end back moving forward.
Having struggled at the running back position since Marshawn Lynch’s retirement and eventual relocation to Oakland, the Seahwks find themselves in an unenviable position heading into the regular season.
In addition to Carson, the injury-plagued C.J. Prosise will look to impress in the final three preseason games. Unfortunately, the former Notre Dame standout missed the exhibition opener with a hip ailment and just recently returned to practice.
Last season saw quarterback Russell Wilson lead Seattle in rushing with 586 yards. No running back on the roster accumulated more than 240 yards. That came from Mike Davis, who also figures into the equation moving forward.