The Seahawks' Running Back Roulette: A Tale of Opportunity and Uncertainty
What makes the NFL preseason so fascinating is its unpredictability. It’s a time when players on the fringes of the league get their shot, and teams scramble to fill gaps in their rosters. This brings me to the Seattle Seahawks and their recent tryout of Anthony Hankerson, a former Oregon State star running back. Personally, I think this move is less about finding a long-term solution and more about addressing immediate needs—a classic case of preseason pragmatism.
Hankerson’s Journey: From College Standout to NFL Hopeful
One thing that immediately stands out is Hankerson’s college trajectory. After transferring from Colorado to Oregon State in 2024, he became a rare bright spot for the Beavers, achieving back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons—a feat not seen since Jacquizz Rodgers. What many people don’t realize is that Hankerson also replaced Damien Martinez, a former Seahawks draft pick now with the Packers. This connection adds a layer of intrigue to his tryout. If you take a step back and think about it, Hankerson’s story is a testament to resilience and adaptability, qualities that could serve him well in the NFL.
The Seahawks’ Running Back Dilemma
From my perspective, the Seahawks’ decision to work out Hankerson is a direct response to their injury-plagued backfield. Jadarian Price, Emanuel Wilson, and Jacardia Wright are all sidelined, leaving the team thin at a critical position. This raises a deeper question: How sustainable is their current running back situation? While George Holani and others have stepped up, the lack of depth is concerning. Hankerson, in this context, feels like a stopgap solution—a player brought in to survive the preseason grind rather than a long-term investment.
What This Really Suggests About the NFL Preseason
A detail that I find especially interesting is how the preseason often becomes a trial-by-fire for players like Hankerson. It’s a high-stakes audition where every carry, every block, and every practice rep matters. For Hankerson, this tryout is less about making the 53-man roster and more about proving he belongs on a practice squad. What this really suggests is that the NFL is a league of constant evaluation, where even former college stars must fight for scraps of opportunity.
Broader Implications: The Running Back Position in Flux
If you look at the bigger picture, the Seahawks’ situation reflects a broader trend in the NFL. Running backs are increasingly becoming expendable, with teams prioritizing versatility and cost-effectiveness. Hankerson’s journey—from undrafted free agent to camp body—underscores the precarious nature of the position. Personally, I think this devaluation of running backs is one of the most underappreciated shifts in modern football. It’s not just about talent; it’s about fitting into a system that values adaptability over specialization.
Final Thoughts: Hankerson’s Shot and the Seahawks’ Future
In my opinion, Hankerson’s tryout is a long shot, but it’s a shot nonetheless. The Seahawks’ running back room is a mess right now, and while he’s unlikely to be the solution, he could provide temporary relief. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it highlights the NFL’s brutal reality: for every player who makes it, dozens more are left on the outside looking in. Hankerson’s story isn’t just about him—it’s about the countless others grinding for their chance.
If the Seahawks sign him, it’ll be a move driven by necessity, not ambition. But who knows? Stranger things have happened in the NFL. For now, I’ll be watching closely to see if Hankerson can turn this opportunity into something more. After all, in a league where careers can pivot on a single play, anything is possible.
