Seattle Seahawks: 5 Players who must step up in 2020
By Samuel Teets
4. Travis Homer, RB
Chris Carson suffered a hip fracture in Week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals. However, Seattle’s lead back should be ready for the 2020 regular season. General manager John Schneider fully expects Carson will suit up in Week 1, which is more than he can say for Rashaad Penny.
Penny suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during a Week 14 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The former first-round pick began to find his rhythm late in the season, but the injury cut his year short. Unfortunately, the injury’s timing could also cost Penny part of the 2020 season.
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Head coach Pete Carroll said (per SI), “It would be an extraordinary accomplishment if he [Penny] was ready by the time we got to camp and all that.”
Instead, Penny will likely begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, meaning he’d miss the first six weeks.
With Penny facing an uphill battle, Travis Homer becomes Seattle’s second running back. The 2019 sixth-round pick carried the ball 18 times for 114 yards during the regular season, as a rookie.
3. Cody Barton, LB
Mychal Kendricks started 14 games for the Seahawks last season before suffering a torn ACL. The injury pushed Cody Barton, a 2019 third-round pick, into service for the season’s final weeks and during the playoffs. Kendricks entered free agency this offseason as it seems Seattle will move forward without the veteran linebacker.
Kendricks’ departure leaves a significant hole next to Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright. The two dominant veteran linebackers can hold their own, but that will put more pressure on whichever young player steps into Kendricks’ position.
Per Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, Barton impressed Seattle’s coaches during the team’s training camp last offseason. Considering he took over during the playoffs, it seems like Barton will assume the starting position in 2020. If he makes a significant leap, Shaquem Griffin could also compete for the job.