Joe Mixon Joins Seahawks as Seattle Adds Veteran Backfield Depth

The Seattle Seahawks are adding veteran running back Joe Mixon as they look to strengthen a backfield that has been hit by injuries early in the season.

Seattle plans to sign Mixon to its practice squad following a workout Monday, pending completion of his medical exam. Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that Mixon worked out for the team and said the Seahawks were going through the process of bringing him aboard. (NFL)

The move comes at a position where Seattle has quickly found itself short on healthy options. Rookie Jadarian Price was placed on injured reserve with a chest injury, while Zach Charbonnet continues to work his way back from the ACL tear that ended his 2025 season. Charbonnet has returned to team drills but has already been ruled out for Seattle’s upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers. (Reuters)

Mixon, 30, returns to the NFL after missing the entire 2025 season because of a foot injury. He last played for the Houston Texans in 2024, producing one of the better seasons of his career despite being in his eighth year in the league. (NFL)

In 14 games with Houston, Mixon rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning the second Pro Bowl selection of his career. It was also his fifth career 1,000-yard rushing season after previously reaching the mark four times with Cincinnati. (NFL)

Before joining Houston, Mixon spent seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals after being selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He became Cincinnati’s primary running back for much of his tenure and was part of the Bengals team that reached Super Bowl LVI following the 2021 season.

Across eight NFL seasons, Mixon has rushed for 7,428 yards and 60 touchdowns while adding 2,448 receiving yards. His experience as both a runner and receiver gives Seattle a proven veteran option while the team works through its current injuries. (Reuters)

There is still uncertainty surrounding how quickly Mixon could contribute. He has not appeared in an NFL game since January 2025, and beginning on the practice squad would allow him time to become familiar with Seattle’s offense and work his way back into playing condition before a potential elevation to the active roster. (NBC Sports)

For the Seahawks, the addition provides insurance at a position that has suddenly become thin. Seattle currently has Emanuel Wilson, George Holani and Velus Jones Jr. available on the active roster while waiting for Charbonnet and Price to return. (NBC Sports)

Mixon’s eventual role remains to be determined, but his track record gives Seattle an experienced option at a time when additional backfield depth was needed.