Alex

Collins

Both the Ravens and Seahawks announced the sudden and tragic news on their respective social media accounts late Monday evening. Collins, known for his upbeat demeanor and penchant for Irish dancing, last played for the Seahawks during the 2022 season and became an unrestricted free agent in March.

He’ll close the year with 108 carries for 411 yards ahead of free agency. Collins handled 15, 20, and 16 carries in a three-week stretch during the season in place of Chris Carson but ultimately could not stay healthy himself, struggling through an abdomen injury in his last handful of starts. He’ll likely land as an enticing reserve option elsewhere.

Collins was listed as questionable after getting in a couple limited practices. He’s missed three straight games. Collins’ absence solidifies Rashaad Penny’s role as the backfield workhorse. Also inactive for the Seahawks are OT Brandon Shell, QB Jacob Eason, DT Robert Nkemdiche, and C Dakoda Shepley.

Collins was able to get in limited practices this week and seems likey to play against the Lions. However, with Rashaad Penny breaking off big runs over the last three weeks, he’s unlikely to challenge him in any meaningful way. DeeJay Dallas is better suited to a passing-down rotational role. Collins is not in play as a fantasy option in Week 17.

Collins will probably be active for Week 17 after he was a “healthy scratch” four days removed from the COVID list last Sunday, but his window to earn change-of-pace work has come and gone with Rashaad Penny claiming No. 1 duties and DeeJay Dallas doing a decent job as the No. 2.

Collins is technically a healthy scratch, though he is just four days removed from the COVID-19 list. His absence leaves the Seahawks’ backfield as Rashaad Penny, DeeJay Dallas and Travis Homer. Joining Collins on the sideline will be DE Kerry Hyder, QB Jacob Eason, LB Jon Rhattigan and C Dakoda Shepley.

Will Dissly takes Collins’ spot on the list. With Collins out Tuesday night against the Rams, Rashaad Penny and DeeJay Dallas split backfield duties. Penny has passed Collins as the Seahawks’ lead back, and Dallas looks like the preferred pass-game option.

Collins is vaxxed, so he will likely be ready for Week 16. Collins’ FLEX star had already dimmed considerably — some might say burned out — behind a resurgent Rashaad Penny, but it’s an unideal development for deep-league players, or managers who were already COVID scrambling. The Seahawks have been noncommittal on Adrian Peterson’s Week 15 status, but he could now end up the first man off the bench, with Travis Homer and DeeJay Dallas fighting for third down/change-of-pace scraps. We would not be FLEXing Peterson against the Rams if he goes.

“We’ll still rotate to keep you guys fresh, but yeah, we’re gonna give him a shot again to come right on back and see if we can keep going,” Carroll added when asked about how he would handle Seattle’s backfield going forward. Penny shredded the Texans in Week 14 to the tune of 137 yards and two touchdowns, relegating Alex Collins to seven rushes for 16 yards. Penny also led the Seahawks backfield with 13 pass routes against Houston. Against the Rams in Week 15, he’ll have to be more involved as a pass catcher if he’s going to post RB2 numbers in a game that will likely see Seattle forced into a pass-heavy game script. Penny, an unrestricted free agent this offseason, has a chance to impress a RB-needy team in the season’s final month.

Collins returned after missing last week with an abdominal injury. But it was Rashaad Penny who got the start and out-carried Collins 16-7 while rushing for a career-high 137 yards and a pair of long touchdowns. It’s clear Penny is the better back right now, and Collins doesn’t belong on the field. Collins can be dropped ahead of next week’s date with the Rams.