The Seattle Seahawks are kicking the tires on the post-Kenneth Walker III era with another speedy running back. Notre Dame's Jadarian Price looks like a tailor-made fit for their offense, but he's still got to get up to speed.
Watching rookies miss crucial reps in training camp is always far from ideal, especially for those who are expected to have a big role right off the jump. That's why Price's absence from the past couple of practices didn't go unnoticed.
Fortunately, it sounds like he should be back in the fold any day now. When asked about his first-round pick's status, head coach Mike Macdonald shut down any concern with a vague but encouraging injury update.
Jadarian Price should be back with the Seattle Seahawks soon
“We are going with a lower body soreness. Somewhere between the upper leg and lower body soreness. I’m not making light of it. It’s a minor issue right now. It’s a matter of days, so he will be back soon," Macdonald told the media.
In his absence, Emanuel Wilson should have plenty of opportunities to continue stacking up solid days. Despite arriving earlier in the offseason, he entered training camp as a potential cut candidate, precisely because of Price's presence.
He's reportedly shown some improvement in pass-protection and pass-catching. Even so, George Holani figures to be the next man up in Brian Fleury's pecking order while Price and Zach Charbonnet continue to work their way back to the field.
Holani stepped up after Charbonnet's injury last season. He didn't have a big role, but the fact that the Seahawks trusted him in the playoffs and in the Super Bowl shows that they're high on him and his skill set.
Jacardia Wright, Velus Jones Jr., Justin Jones, and the recently signed TJ Harden should also be in the mix, though they're most likely fighting for a practice squad spot at this point, especially with Price set to return soon.
Price didn't get to shine much with the Fighting Irish. However, even with Jeremiyah Love stealing most of the headlines and the touches, he still managed to put up an impressive 674 rushing yards and 11 rushing scores on 6.0 yards per carry. He also had six catches for 87 yards and a couple of touchdowns in his final season in college.
He'll have some big shoes to fill, and with Charbonnet still set to miss some time and entering the final year of his contract, he might force the team's hand to change its usual running back-by-committee approach in 2027 and beyond.
If he gets more involved in the passing game and proves to be an every-down back, he can become the team's next big name at the position. Given the Seahawks' long-standing tradition of excellent backs and John Schneider's eye for talent at the position, there are plenty of reasons to give him the benefit of the doubt.
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