Carlos Hyde ready to show he can be more than RB depth for Seahawks

The Seahawks were in dire need of running back depth heading into the offseason with the team’s two top backs, Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny, suffering season-ending injuries late in 2019. To address that, they drafted Miami’s DeeJay Dallas in the fourth round and also added veteran back Carlos Hyde, who could make an immediate impact.

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Hyde, 29, was the starting running back for the Houston Texans last season and ran for over 1,000 yards. While those numbers certainly show he can be the lead back for a team, the Seahawks may not need him to own that role as Carson, who rushed for over 1,000 yards each of the last two seasons, is expected to be ready to go for the start of the season as he recovers from a hip injury. Hyde acknowledged as much with Seattle reporters this week.

“It’s probably an open competition for that second role,” he said. “Me personally, I don’t think there’s probably an open competition for the starting role. I think everybody knows who the starting running back is for Seattle, and that’s Carson. I knew that before I even signed into Seattle, that he is the guy.”

But that doesn’t mean Hyde isn’t going to try and pry that role away from Carson if he can.

“Would coach (Pete) Carroll change his mind? Maybe. I don’t really know,” he said “… I’m going to come in there and compete for the first spot, make sure I solidify myself and go from there. I’m not really sure what the plan (is).”

As soon as Hyde and the rest of the Seahawks’ running backs can hit the field, Hyde is ready to compete with the rest of that running back room, which is something Carroll should be thrilled to hear based on his “Always Compete” motto.

“There’s definitely going to be competition with Carson and Penny, guys who have already been there, who are already established,” Hyde said. “So, you definitely got to come in and compete, you’re coming in trying to take a guy’s job who’s already been there. Carson, he’s been putting up 1,000 yards like it’s nothing each year. So, it’s definitely tough coming in trying to replace a guy like that, but I’m definitely open to the competition. It’s not my first year in the league, I’m going on year seven, so I’m used to competing. It brings out the best in me, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Hyde also mentioned his mindset is “to be that guy, every-down back, be the guy for the team.”

After being drafted in 2014, Hyde started his NFL career with Seattle’s rival, the San Francisco 49ers, where he enjoyed some success in his four years in the Bay Area. Playing against the Seahawks twice a year, he was able to see firsthand how Seattle operated on offense, and it left quite the impression.

“It’s been a place that I’ve always wanted to play ever since I left San Francisco,” Hyde told reporters. “Going against those guys for four years being in San Fran, I’ve just seen how they always run the ball back to when Marshawn (Lynch) was there. They’re a big running team, and the ways they ran the ball, I feel like it’s a strength of my game.”

And while guys like Carson and Penny are recovering from injuries and, in Penny’s case, knee surgery that could cost him the start of the regular season, Hyde also comes in with an injury question mark. Hyde injured his shoulder early in the season and played through it. The injury required offseason surgery, but he’s optimistic about getting back to full strength.

“I think I’m on time to participate when we get to camp and everything,” Hyde said. “And by Week 1, I’m pretty sure I’ll be ready to go.”

You can watch/listen to Hyde’s full interview with Seattle media members, which includes his thoughts on his former teammate, Colin Kaepernick, at this link.

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