The Seattle Seahawks will not add veteran running back Joe Mixon after he reportedly failed his physical, removing the experienced depth option they explored while the backfield remains shorthanded. The club instead signed rookie running back Robert Henry Jr. from the Washington Commanders’ practice squad, giving the newcomer an immediate opportunity to earn a role.
The exact medical reason for the team passing on Mixon was not disclosed. Mixon missed the 2025 season with a foot injury, and his departure from the Seahawks’ plans leaves the team without the veteran contingency it had considered.
Henry joins an active group led by running back Emanuel Wilson, alongside George Holani and Velus Jones Jr. Jadarian Price (chest) is on injured reserve, while Zach Charbonnet (knee) remains on the physically unable to perform list. Henry, an undrafted rookie from UTSA, ran for 105 yards and a touchdown on 26 preseason carries for Washington.
Locked On Seahawks host Dan Viens said Henry’s quick feet and instinctive running could offer a change-of-pace complement to Wilson, while his reported development in pass protection could determine how quickly he earns offensive snaps. Henry does not need to replace Mixon’s experience to help; Seattle needs another playable option as its available backs absorb a heavier workload.
Wilson started the Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, and Henry now enters a room with little margin for another absence. The immediate question is whether Seattle can keep its offense balanced with its current backs or whether it must continue searching for outside help before Price and Charbonnet are available.
Henry’s first practices will show how quickly he can contribute, but the Seahawks’ short-term backfield plan now centers on Wilson carrying the lead role while the team waits for reinforcements.
More on the Seattle Seahawks
- Seahawks’ NFL Power Rankings Roundup Has Seattle Moving Back Up After Big Win Over Chargers
- Joe Mixon Won’t Sign With Seahawks After Physical, and Seattle Still Needs a Back
- Three Positives and Two Negatives From the Seahawks’ First Four Games of the 2026 Season
- Seahawks’ Playoff Odds Come With a Catch That Makes Sunday’s 49ers Game Even Bigger
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