League source: Seahawks signing Xavier Turner to practice squad for running-back depth
At least this time the coach won’t have to introduce Xavier Turner to the Seahawks when and if he plays in a game for them.
Seattle is signing Turner to its practice squad as a free-agent running back to add depth at the position in the wake of Rashaad Penny’s season-ending knee injury. A league source confirmed the decision Wednesday morning.
Turner is an undrafted rookie from Tarleton State in Texas. The Seahawks signed him Aug. 7. Turner, 5-feet-10 and 226 pounds, looked good at times while playing in all four preseason games for the Seahawks this summer.
He impressed coaches by rushing for a team-high 42 yards on 13 carries in the preseason opener against Denver. That was one day after he signed with Seattle.
Coach Pete Carroll first introduced Turner to the rest of the Seahawks in the locker room after he gained those yards for them against the Broncos.
Turner averaged 4.5 yards per carry (76 yards on 17 rushes) for Seattle this preseason. He gained 16 yards on his only carry in the exhibition finale against Oakland.
For now, he’s an option to backup Carson, C.J. Prosise and rookie Travis Homer at running back. It’s those three for the Seahawks (10-3) Sunday at Carolina (5-8).
Turner was one of three free-agent running backs the Seahawks tried out on Tuesday.
This story was originally published December 11, 2019 at 7:48 AM.
