Oct 9, 2026 11:59 AM
Capitalizing on injuries to the backfield, the former depth signing has emerged as a bell-cow threat, delivering dominant performances that challenge Seattle’s depth chart hierarchy.
When the Seattle Seahawks signed Emanuel Wilson as a free agent this offseason, most saw him as a depth signing, not a starter.
But with injuries in the running back room and George Holani's lack of carries through the first four weeks of the season, Wilson has been "the" guy for Brian Fleury.
Totaling 190 yards and a touchdown in his four games, Wilson has been Seattle's "starter" twice.
Against the Arizona Cardinals, he rushed for 92 yards on 21 carries, and against the Los Angeles Chargers, he rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, proving he can carry the load.
With the Seahawks having Joe Mixon in for a workout but opting not to sign him, and signing Robert Henry Jr. off of Washington's practice squad, Seattle feels the need to add ot the room.
But as for Wilson, well, his head coach had nothing but praise for his work this season.
"He's doing well," Macdonald said. "I don't know what his numbers are, I thought we had a great game in the Arizona game. He carried it well last game. Obviously, the Washington game, we as a team, we didn't run it as well as we wanted to. He's a good back, man. He falls forward, got good vision. Just keep it rolling.
"We also have other good backs, too. George [Holani] has done a nice job. Velus [Jones] has a lot of speed, he brings a lot of things to the table as well. So, Emanuel's done a great job, but it doesn't just have to be him right now."
It might be a coincidence, but the two games in which Wilson has been the bell cow have been Seattle's best on the ground.
A total of 162 yards on the ground vs. Arizona and 138 yards against the Chargers.
So, Wilson, with Price and Charbonnet out, is making his case to be the starter.
We know Price is on IR, so he is at least three weeks away, and Charbonnet could return later in the season as he has only just returned to practice.
That means a good runway for Wilson to prove to the Seahawks' coaching staff that he is deserving of snaps even if both Price and Charbonnet return.
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