Report: Seahawks RB Chris Carson likely to miss time with foot sprain

The Seahawks are at risk of having to play their next game without their leading rusher, as running back Chris Carson is labeled as week-to-week with a foot sprain, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Injury updates: Seahawks banged up at RB but others nearing returns

Carson, 26, has been the Seahawks’ leading rusher since 2018 and is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons. He left the Seahawks’ Week 7 game Sunday in Arizona with a foot injury and was deemed questionable to return, but never did, leaving Carlos Hyde, Travis Homer and DeeJay Dallas to handle the running back duties.

Source: #Seahawks RB Chris Carson, who left the game early, had his MRI and it showed that he did have a mid-foot sprain. He’s week-to-week, an indication he’ll miss some time.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 26, 2020

Both Hyde and Homer also left Sunday’s game banged up, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said in his weekly Monday afternoon press conference.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler provided another report on Carson on Monday afternoon that provided a bit rosier outlook for Seattle’s top halfback, saying the possibility of him playing next Sunday against San Francisco is not completely “off table.”

Source said Chris Carson expecting to be back sooner than later on that midfoot sprain, could miss some time but hoping to bridge gap. He's known as a warrior and hasn't missed a game through this year's injuries.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 26, 2020

Carson and the running game have been less of a focal point for Seattle’s offense this season as quarterback Russell Wilson is passing far more than the last few seasons, but Carson has still has solid numbers overall. Carson has rushed 66 times for 323 yards, good for 4.9 yards per carry, and three touchdowns. He also has 22 catches for 147 yards and three touchdowns.

The foot injury is the latest health concern for the fourth-year back, who is in the final year of his contract and will be looking to get a major payday from either the Seahawks or another team this offseason after being very successful the last few years.

In 2017 as a rookie, Carson broke his ankle and played in only four games. In 2018, Carson missed two games, and then in 2019 he fractured his hip in Week 16 and missed the season finale as well as Seattle’s two playoff games.

With Carson out, the veteran Hyde would be the most likely to assume the starter role if he’s healthy enough. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2019 with the Houston Texans and had 68 yards and a touchdown in Week 7. Homer and Dallas could also have larger roles with Carson out.

Someone to watch is 2018 first-round pick Rashaad Penny, who is recovering from an ACL tear in Week 14 last season. He is on the physically unable to perform list and is eligible return to practice, though head coach Pete Carroll hasn’t said when he thinks that will happen. When Penny starts to practice, the team will then have a 21-day window to add Penny to the active roster. Otherwise, he won’t be eligible to play in 2020.

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