Seahawks Abruptly Halt Joe Mixon Deal After Physical Exam
Seattle withdraws from agreement with running back following medical concerns, turning to practice squad player instead.
The Seattle Seahawks have rescinded their agreement to sign running back Joe Mixon after the player failed a physical examination, according to ESPN. The Super Bowl champions had turned to Mixon, 30, to address their depth issues at the position.
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Monday that Mixon had worked out for the team. "Joe worked out this morning, and he's going through the process right now," Macdonald stated. However, the team is now planning to sign Robert Henry Jr. from the Washington Commanders' practice squad.
Mixon was released by the Houston Texans in March and spent the entire 2025 season on the non-football injury list with a mysterious foot problem. Houston general manager Nick Caserio had described the injury as 'freak.' Reports in July indicated Mixon had told some teammates he was not going to play football anymore, raising further questions about his ability to return to the NFL.
Mixon's failed physical comes as the Seahawks face significant injuries at running back. Rookie Jadarian Price was placed on injured reserve Saturday due to a chest injury he aggravated in practice. Price, a first-round draft pick, made his debut in Seattle's opener and had shown promise before the injury.
Another running back, Zach Charbonnet, is eligible to play after being activated from the physically unable to perform list. However, head coach Macdonald confirmed Charbonnet will not make his season debut this weekend against the San Francisco 49ers as he continues to recover from an ACL tear sustained in last year's playoffs.
"We're down runners," Macdonald said Monday, acknowledging the team's need for running backs. "He's a good running back."
Emanuel Wilson started at running back for Seattle over the weekend, contributing a rushing and receiving touchdown and accounting for 120 all-purpose yards. Third-down back George Holani has been promoted to the second-string role, with Velus Jones Jr. activated from the practice squad as the No. 3 option.
The Seahawks, currently 3-1, are preparing to host NFC West rivals the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.