Seahawks may miss J.D. McKissic more than it appears
By Lee Vowell
The Seahawks need running back depth. J.D. McKissic that and versatility, if he makes the team. His injury makes that questionable.
J.D. McKissic was the only running back to score a rushing touchdown for the Seahawks in 2017. That last sentence seems ridiculous, but it is true. And McKissic was valuable to Seattle as a receiver and return man too.
On Tuesday, 12s learned that McKissic had broken a bone on the outside of his foot and would miss 4-6 weeks and maybe longer. This, of course, means the running back would miss the first part of the year.
And this is if McKissic makes the team. I think he should. McKissic offers so much versatility that this makes him nearly more valuable than Mike Davis or C.J. Prosise. I am not saying McKissic is a better running back than Davis or Prosise, but he is more versatile. That’s why he deserves to make the team.
McKissic, as he shown this preseason, can not only be a decent third down back, he can also return kicks and punts. While Tyler Lockett is a Pro Bowl kick returner and rookie Rashaad Penny has the potential to be a good kick returner as well, Lockett and Prosise are needed more at their position. Should one of them be injured (and Penny already slightly is), McKissic could return kicks and be productive.
In the 2018 preseason, McKissic has returned four kicks and averaged 26 yards-per-return. On four punts he has averaged 7.3 yards-per but averaged 10 yards per-punt-return in week two.
Still, Seattle will probably only carry four tailbacks and one fullback on the roster. We know Chris Carson and Penny are going to get the most carries in 2018. This leaves McKissic in a roster spot battle with Davis and Prosise.
dark. Next. Injuries beginning to mount for Seahawks
Davis was solid in limited time in 2017 and has good size for what coach Pete Carroll wants in a running back. Seattle still seems to like Prosise a lot even though he hasn’t shown he can stay healthy. But the Seahawks shouldn’t give up on McKissic. His versatility late in the year might make him more valuable than Prosise or Davis and therefore worth keeping on the team.