Seahawks sign RB Alex Collins, reuniting with 2016 draft pick
Nov 4, 2020, 3:23 PM | Updated: 3:29 pm
Alex Collins, a 2016 fifth-round Seahawks pick, hasn't played since 2018. (AP)
(AP)
The Seahawks are adding depth to their banged-up backfield by reuniting with another familiar face.
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Seattle announced Wednesday afternoon it has signed running back Alex Collins to its practice squad. Collins was a 2016 fifth-round pick out of Arkansas by the Seahawks who played 11 games for the team that year.
Collins is the second player with experience playing for the Seahawks to join the practice squad in recent weeks. Linebacker Mychal Kendricks rejoined the franchise last month, though he was released Tuesday and signed back along with Collins on Wednesday.
Collins, 26, rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown in 2016 for Seattle, adding 11 receptions for 84 yards. He was cut just prior to the 2017 season, however, and signed with Baltimore’s practice squad. He shined when given an opportunity with the Ravens, rushing for 973 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games (12 starts) that year. He was strong again in 2018, amassing 411 yards and seven scores on the ground in 10 games (all starts) before being placed on injured reserve with a foot injury.
Collins missed the entire 2019 season after being waived by Baltimore following a March car crash and arrest near the Ravens’ headquarters. He pleaded guilty in October 2019 to possession of more than 10 grams of marijuana and possession of a handgun in a vehicle. He was sentenced to 18 months of unsupervised probation.
The Seahawks have several key running backs dealing with injuries. Starter Chris Carson missed last Sunday’s win over the 49ers with a foot sprain, as did backup Carlos Hyde with a hamstring strain. Third-string back Travis Homer played but fourth-stringer DeeJay Dallas did most of the ball-carrying as Homer was dealing with a knee injury.
Seattle could call up Collins to the active roster ahead of this Sunday’s game in Buffalo if any one of the team’s running backs aren’t healthy enough to play.
Collins’ name first came up in March as someone the Seahawks may have interest in bringing back.
In other roster news, the Seahawks also announced Wednesday that defensive end Carlos Dunlap, who was acquired via trade from Cincinnati last week, has been added to the active roster. He will wear No. 43 as the No. 96 he wore with the Bengals is Cortez Kennedy’s retired number in Seattle.
The Seahawks released tight end Luke Willson on Tuesday, and defensive end Damontre Moore was suspended for six games Monday for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. After the addition of Dunlap, there is still one open spot on their roster. Defensive end Rasheem Green is likely to be activated for Sunday from injured reserve. Defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison is also a candidate to be called up from the practice squad.
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