The running back group for the Seattle Seahawks appears to be undergoing a serious overhaul.
Marshawn Lynch is firmly set as the team’s starter, but the players behind him on the depth chart seem to be changing.
Former Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson is expected to sign with the team by the end of the weekend to serve as Lynch’s backup.
Robert Turbin, who had been Lynch’s backup each of the last three seasons, suffered a high-ankle sprain in last week’s preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Turbin will be waived/injured by Seattle as he is expected to miss around five weeks due to the ankle injury.
Teams can claim Turbin off waivers despite the injury. If he goes unclaimed, he would revert to injured reserve with Seattle.
Meanwhile, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reports the Seahawks are also attempting to trade third-string running back Christine Michael.
Michael has failed to earn substantial playing time with Seattle despite being a second round pick in 2013.
Undrafted free agents Thomas Rawls and Rod Smith have looked strong in preseason action for the Seahawks as well and could become beneficiaries of Seattle’s shuffling.
Rawls had 87 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries in the team’s preseason finale against the Oakland Raiders on Thursday night. He would be the favorite to land a third roster spot behind Lynch and Jackson if Turbin and Michael are gone.
