(Getty)
UPDATE: Thomas Rawls is out for the year and DuJuan Harris has been released, making Bryce Brown the highest-priority pickup from Seattle’s backfield.
The Seattle Seahawks survived their first running back injury, as rookie Thomas Rawls became one of the league’s most productive running backs in the absence of Marshawn Lynch.
Now, their depth at the position will be tested once again. Rawls left Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens with an ankle injury in the first quarter and was quickly ruled out:
Seahawks RB Thomas Rawls out for game with ankle injury.
It’s still obviously very early to judge his status for Week 15, but the fact he was ruled out so quickly suggests it’s not a minor injury. Additionally, with the Cleveland Browns next on the schedule, the Seahawks could choose to be cautious with their stud rookie.
Should that be the case, Fred Jackson and Dujuan Harris both immediately enter the radar as the next men up on the ‘Hawks depth chart.
The 34-year-old Jackson has mostly been used as a change-of-pace back this season, but he has been efficient when given touches, averaging 4.4 yards per carry and adding 23 receptions for 183 yards and two scores prior to Week 14. Moreover, this offense has seriously been clicking over the last month, so that further increases his potential value.
Seattle won’t want to run the veteran into the ground, though, so DuJuan Harris is more likely to see the early-down work. He immediately stepped in for Rawls on Seattle’s next drive and was handling the majority of the carries. He did fumble inside the 10-yard line, but he was back in on the next drive, while Jackson worked the passing downs.
Both players serve as logical stashes for owners in the fantasy playoffs, with Harris boasting slightly higher priority.