Alex Collins could be extremely important for Seahawks in 2021

The Seahawks have needed the third or fourth running back on the roster to start games the last two years. Alex Collins could be a starter in 2021 if Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny get hurt. This wouldn’t be surprising as Carson plays with a physical style and missed games every year. Penny might not even be ready when the 2021 season begins.

Collins’ career has been an odd one. He was drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round of 2016 and played in 11 games. He proved he could catch (he caught all 11 of his targets) and run with some power. But Collins also showed that he was a fumble risk. Two fumbles on 42 touches don’t sound like a lot on paper, but if Collins had gotten, say, Carson’s 267 touches in 2018, Collins would have been on pace to fumble 13 times. That’s terrible.

But Collins then left Seattle (due a lot to his fumbling issues) and was really productive for the Ravens in 2017 with 973 yards rushing, 1,160 total yards, ran for an average of 4.6 yards a carry and scored 6 touchdowns.

Seahawks need to find uses for Alex Collins

Then somehow Collins found himself without a team in 2019. In 2020, Seattle needed a running back due to Carson and others being hurt and Collins was re-signed. On 18 carries, Collins scored two touchdowns and ran for 77 yards, a 4.3 yards per carry average. Collins is a good back.

And don’t be surprised if Alex Collins ends up having to start a few games for Seattle this year. Carson is going to miss a game or two or more probably. Penny might never play. At this point, Collins just might be the number-two back on the Seahawks roster.

If he is, that is OK. Collins seems to always be vying for a chance to get a lot of reps. Mostly, when he has had his chance he has done well. Seattle needs to keep Collins on the roster and give him quite a few snaps during the season to rest Carson. Alex Collins will prove to be worth that.