Neck injuries have cost longtime Seahawks starters their careers in recent years. Both Kam Chancellor and Cliff Avril did not come back after seeing their 2017 seasons end because of neck trouble. Five years later, Chris Carson‘s career is in jeopardy because of a neck ailment sustained early last season.
Pete Carroll confirmed this week the sixth-year veteran running back is not certain to return to the field. Since Carson was forced out of action four games into the 2021 season, not much in the way of good news has emerged from this situation. But Carson, 27, is not ready to call it a career.
“Oh, we still going right now,” Carson said, via Heavy.com’s Jonathan Adams. “I see myself playing until I feel like stopping. My mindset is never to give up, so I’m staying positive like I said, and [will] continue to fight and get back onto the field.
“… Not trying to rush it; I’m just trying to take it one day at a time. Just keep rehabbing, keep getting better. Keep building strength and then go from there. But like I said, there’s no timeline for me.”
A 2017 seventh-round pick, Carson has done well for himself as a pro. The Oklahoma State product has two 1,100-yard rushing seasons and, when healthy, held off former first-round pick Rashaad Penny for Seattle’s first-string running back gig. Carson worked as the top ball-carrying option for three straight playoff teams, leading to a new contract.
Partially due to Penny’s extensive injury history, the Seahawks gave Carson a two-year, $10.4MM deal in 2021. Carson, who has already recovered from a broken leg in his pro career, received $5.5MM guaranteed on his current deal. He is set to earn a $4.5MM base salary this season.
The Seahawks insured their backfield by drafting Michigan State’s Kenneth Walker III in Round 2, making that pick after re-signing Penny to a one-year, $5.75MM contract. These two stand to be Seattle’s top backs this season. Carson looms as a wild card for the team’s offense, which will likely continue to be one of the league’s most run-oriented attacks. Training camp serves as the next key point on the resilient runner’s NFL timeline.
He will in 4-6 weeks. Lol
He’s done. A running back doesn’t come back from major neck surgery.
I mean, I think he’s trying to chase the bag. I don’t blame him, but man what about just putting up the cleats, going into broadcasting, sports commentating, mentoring etc, and trying to make it in that sphere?
He’s already got a great story, has made a decent amount of life changing money for a 7th rounder. He’s had hardship, struggles and successes and I don’t see why he can’t translate that into a second era of his career.
He’s an old school warrior with a no quit attitude and it’s never easy for guys that competitive to walk away. He should do well in his next career because every potential employer knows they’re getting a person who never puts less than 100% effort into the job.
I’m not dead yet!
Before he commits to playing football in the NFL,
he needs to have a serious conversation with his neck.