NFL

Seahawks Prepare Rookie Jadarian Price for Lead Back Role

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Aug 31, 2026, 17:58 IST

With Zach Charbonnet sidelined on the PUP list, the Seattle Seahawks are set to entrust rookie Jadarian Price with the lead running back duties for the start of the regular season.

Seahawks Prepare Rookie Jadarian Price for Lead Back Role

The Seattle Seahawks are preparing to lean on rookie running back Jadarian Price as the primary option in their backfield for the start of the regular season. The decision comes as the team navigates the absence of Zach Charbonnet, who remains on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from February surgery to repair an ACL tear sustained in January. Charbonnet is mandated to miss at least the first four games of the campaign.

Price, selected 32nd overall in April’s draft, has impressed during training camp with his vision, decisiveness, and athleticism. Despite missing time due to a minor injury, the rookie has drawn praise from teammates and coaches alike. However, he enters the September 9 season opener against the New England Patriots without having played a single snap during the preseason, as the organization prioritized his long-term health over immediate game exposure.

Managing the Backfield Rotation

Head coach Mike Macdonald acknowledged the unconventional path to the starting role, noting that the team lacked the depth to provide Price with the typical preseason workload afforded to a rookie. Despite the lack of game experience, Macdonald expressed confidence in the first-round pick's readiness for the season opener. The team’s strategy appears to involve utilizing Price as the lead back while integrating George Holani, who is expected to handle third-down responsibilities due to his proficiency in receiving and pass-blocking.

The backfield rotation will also feature Emanuel Wilson as a power option once he returns from an undisclosed injury. Wilson, who missed the preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs, has been working with trainers on the side, indicating a potential return in the near future. The current plan is expected to evolve significantly once Charbonnet is cleared to return to the active roster, at which point the team may move toward a more balanced split in carries.

Rising Expectations for the Rookie

Teammates have been quick to highlight the maturity and versatility Price has displayed throughout the summer. Linebacker Ernest Jones IV noted the rookie's professional approach, specifically pointing to an impressive touchdown reception during a 7-on-7 drill. Quarterback Sam Darnold echoed these sentiments, describing Price as a special player capable of contributing in multiple facets of the offense, including screen passes and both inside and outside running lanes.

While the Seahawks acknowledge that the lack of preseason reps could lead to early growing pains, the coaching staff remains committed to their cautious approach. By prioritizing his health during the summer, the team hopes to have a fully prepared contributor ready to fill the void in their rushing attack as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season.