Will Seahawks get boost in running game if they make the playoffs?
Dec 28, 2017, 12:24 PM | Updated: 1:17 pm
Fullback Tre Madden could return for the Seahawks from a calf injury in the postseason. (AP)
(AP)
The Seahawks have struggled all year long in the running game. Sure, Russell Wilson is in line to be the first quarterback in modern NFL history to lead his team in rushing yards, but that’s not really a good thing. Neither is the fact that rookie Chris Carson has the most rushing yards among Seattle’s running backs, considering he has been out since suffering an injury in Week 4.
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There is something that might help the Seahawks if they get to the playoffs, however – the return of fullback Tre Madden, who was designated for return from Injured Reserve on Wednesday in recovering from a calf injury. He would be eligible to play if Seattle makes the postseason.
“They need to have plays where a fullback’s involved,” 710 ESPN Seattle’s Danny O’Neil said Thursday, filling in for Brock Huard on the Blue 42 segment of Brock and Salk.
There is precedent for that. Pete Carroll’s Seahawks saw success in the past with fullbacks providing extra blocking help, the most notable being Derrick Coleman (a Pro Bowl alternate this season with Atlanta) and Will Tukuafu. Seattle really hasn’t had the benefit of that kind of fullback this year, though.
“You saw Luke Willson lined up as fullback a number of times this past game. I don’t think that was particularly successful – not entirely Luke’s fault,” O’Neil said of Seattle’s usual No. 2 tight end.
Using Madden in those same plays could have a significant impact for the Hawks.
“It will help the running game,” O’Neil said. “… They miss having a fullback and I think that Tre Madden will be a help in that regard.
“We’re gonna see him for half a dozen snaps. Give me something that will make the running game better. Something’s gotta help.”
You can hear the entire Blue 42 segment embedded above or download at this link.
Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated Madden would be eligible to return for Sunday’s season finale vs. Arizona.
