The Seattle Seahawks have backed away from the idea of signing Joe Mixon to their practice squad, reversing course after what had looked like a deal in the works.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Seattle had been planning to add the veteran running back after a recent workout, but the team changed direction once Mixon went through a physical. The result is that Mixon remains a free agent.
“As it turns out, the Seahawks decided not to sign veteran running back Joe Mixon to their practice squad after he underwent a physical for the team, per league source,” Schefter reported. “Mixon will remain a free agent.”
The development came after ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported Monday that the Seahawks intended to sign Mixon to the practice squad. That report followed Seattle’s decision to place rookie running back Jadarian Price on injured reserve.
Head coach Mike Macdonald said at the time, “Joe (Mixon) worked out this morning and he’s going through the process right now,”
There’s no official explanation for why the Seahawks changed their mind, but Mixon’s foot injury from last year may be part of the conversation. The former Houston Texans back landed on the physically unable to perform list during last year’s offseason and never made it back onto the field.
Exactly what the injury was, or how it happened, has never been made clear.
Still, the timing leaves Mixon in a tough spot. If Seattle had concerns after the physical, it’s fair to wonder whether other teams will see the same issue and pass as well.
Back in July, Aaron Wilson of Click2Houston.com reported that Mixon told some of his former Cincinnati Bengals teammates he believed his career was over. That possibility suddenly feels much more real.
If Mixon has played his final NFL snap, his career ends with 7,428 rushing yards, 2,448 receiving yards and 74 total touchdowns. He was selected to two Pro Bowls.
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