Seahawks training camp: 3 Fantasy football storylines to watch

2. Running back rotation

Toward the end of last season, the Seahawks suffered a multitude of running back injuries. Chris Carson, the team’s usual starter, suffered a hip fracture in Week 16. Rashaad Penny, Seattle’s first-round pick from 2018, tore his ACL two weeks earlier. According to Ben Arthur of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the Seahawks expect Carson to be ready for Week 1.

However, that doesn’t mean Carson is guaranteed to start on opening day. While Carson continued rehabbing during the pandemic, Seattle signed Carlos Hyde to a one-year, $2.75 million deal. Hyde started 14 games for the Houston Texans last year and amassed 1,070 rushing yards. If the Seahawks don’t feel entirely confident in Carson’s health, they could play Hyde early and often.

Carson and Hyde finished inside the top 25 running backs in terms of fantasy points scored in standard leagues last season. Hyde finished 23rd with 143.2 points while Carson climbed to ninth, tallying 195.6 in 15 appearances. Now that they’re on the same team, fantasy owners want to know whose value is declining and by how much.

There’s also the issue of Penny, who scored 67.3 points in ten games last year. The San Diego State product heavily damaged his left leg, and the Seahawks don’t expect him to be ready for opening day. Instead, the 24-year old could open the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. If Penny opens the season on the PUP list, he’ll miss the year’s first six weeks at least.

Last season, Carson, Hyde, and Penny all played roles in helping fantasy owners win titles. However, Seattle’s top backs could take steps back this season, depending on how they fit in Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s scheme.