The Seattle Seahawks head into Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills with a depleted backfield.
Both starting running back Chris Carson (foot) and Carlos Hyde (hamstring) will be inactive, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, paving the way for rookie DeeJay Dallas to get the start for the second consecutive game.
Injury updates:
— #Seahawks RB Chris Carson (foot) is out, but Jamal Adams (groin) will play.
— #Bucs WR Chris Godwin (hand) is listed as questionable.
— #Saints WR Michael Thomas (hamstring/ankle) is questionable but there is optimism he goes, while QB Drew Brees is good to go.— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 6, 2020
Seahawks also ruled out RB Carlos Hyde, so Seattle likely to promote RB Alex Collins from its practice squad. https://t.co/V8z1K5fmDi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 6, 2020
Dallas had some success in his first NFL start last weekend against the San Francisco 49ers. He scored a pair of touchdowns and made himself available in the passing game. But Dallas also averaged just over two yards per carry.
The Seahawks could have used either Carson or Hyde, particularly considering the Bills have struggled to stop the run this year.
Buffalo's defense ranks 25th in yards gained on the ground and 26th in yards per carry (4.7). The New England Patriots rushed for nearly 200 yards against the Bills last weekend, while the Kansas City Chiefs gashed Buffalo for 245 rushing yards in Week 6.
However, unless the offensive line can consistently create running lanes for Dallas, it seems the onus will once again be on Russell Wilson to deliver more heroics.
Wilson is having an MVP-caliber season. He leads the NFL with 26 touchdown passes, completing over 71 percent of his attempts for 2,151 yards while averaging 8.4 yards per pass attempt. Wilson currently ranks third in total QBR, per ESPN.
The Seahawks have been fortunate with Wilson leading the passing attack. But they have to be slightly concerned with their top two running backs.
Carson's mid-foot sprain is the latest setback in a season where he has suffered multiple different injuries, and Hyde's hamstring issue is worrisome.
For now, Seattle will hope Dallas can get the job done in the backfield. But the Seahawks will hope Carson and Hyde can get back up to speed in a hurry.
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