Emanuel Wilson was the last man standing.
With the Seattle Seahawks leading the Arizona Cardinals 24-7 with 4:47 left in regulation Sunday in Glendale, Ariz., coach Mike Macdonald called a timeout that appeared unusual at first glance. The head coach wanted to rest Wilson, who had shouldered the workload alone after injuries sidelined two of Seattle's three available running backs.
The fourth-year running back was grateful for the break.
"I was tired," Wilson said with a wry smile afterward. "I was tired as hell, actually."
Wilson entered the game after rookie running back Jadarian Price departed with what was initially reported as a chest injury. Macdonald clarified Monday that the issue is to Price's shoulder and is minor. Third-year player George Holani also left briefly with an undisclosed injury, which Macdonald said is resolved, leaving no other running backs available except Wilson.
The reserve running back delivered a notable performance, accumulating 92 yards on 21 carries. That total represents the highest rushing yardage by a Seahawk in a regular-season contest since December 2024 in a 31-7 victory. The Seahawks signed Wilson in free agency after he served as a backup with the Green Bay Packers for the past three seasons to bolster one of the team's least experienced position groups, following the departure of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III via free agency.
Walker has started fast with the Kansas City Chiefs. Wilson, meanwhile, has adapted well to the Seahawks. As the defending champions have opened the season 2-0, Wilson has settled into the offensive system under first-year offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, which shares several similarities with the scheme Green Bay ran during his time with the Packers.
"Both wide-zone schemes. It's just similar," Wilson said. "You've got to be dialed in on the little details and stuff like that, so it's really no different."
Seattle's wide-zone scheme faced a stern test against an Arizona front seven that presented challenges in multiple ways, stemming from both the Cardinals' game plan and the Seahawks' personnel.
The Seahawks were without starting quarterback Sam Darnold, though he is expected to practice this week and could return as early as Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Backup Drew Lock filled in on Sunday, completing 19 of 26 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns while managing the offense from under center.
The team also was missing a starting offensive lineman in right guard Anthony Bradford, who sat out due to knee and hip injuries. Christian Haynes took his place, then rotated with rookie Beau Stephens every two series for the remainder of the contest.
"We felt like it was an opportunity not only Christian earned the start, but also to give Beau some well-earned reps," Macdonald said. "I think there's some flexibility in terms of how we wanted to approach the rotation, which we were pretty happy with the way it came out."
On the other side of the ball, the Cardinals' defense employs a variety of looks, which challenged the Seahawks' preparation during the week and their execution during the game, Macdonald said.
Seahawks’ Ground Game Gains Momentum
Seattle sustained a methodical ground attack against Arizona, amassing 162 rushing yards on 40 attempts. That output matched what had previously been a late-season benchmark. Week 10 of last year, when the Seahawks surged for a season-best 198 yards against the same opponent on November 9.
Head coach Mike Macdonald expressed clear satisfaction with how the unit performed collectively on the ground, especially given the timing: the effort came as starting quarterback Bryce Young was sidelined.
“There’s a strong mindset among the offensive group,” Macdonald noted. “The players are embracing it. Watching the film, you see a real desire to break off bigger plays, and that’s encouraging. We’re in a good spot moving forward.”
The running game may deepen further in the coming weeks. Zach Charbonnet, who began the season on the physically unable to perform list after reconstructive surgery on his ACL in January, is close to rejoining the lineup. He could begin practicing as early as this week and be eligible to play by Week 5. His return would open a 21-day window for activation to the active roster, a move Macdonald said the organization is evaluating carefully.
“We’re aiming to optimize his practice time,” the coach explained. “It doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll stretch it to the max, but it’s something we’re actively weighing.”
Sunday’s performance underscored Seattle’s patience with Charbonnet, who led the team in scoring last season with 12 rushing touchdowns. Rather than rush him back, the Seahawks prefer to let him ease into action at his own pace. The same approach applies to D’Andre Swift, whose workload will be managed by the medical staff throughout the week, with no indication of extended absence expected.
Javon Wilson, a 5-foot-10, 226-pound back, has emerged as a versatile complement in the offense. His size makes him effective both in open space, highlighted by an 18-yard run on the first play of the final drive, and in tight situations where power is key.
An injury to his hamstring during camp initially raised concerns about his availability, and he一度 looked like a likely candidate for injured reserve after missing multiple summer sessions. Since returning to the rotation, however, he’s demonstrated reliability and productivity.
“He’s executing the way we envisioned,” Macdonald said. “He runs with purpose, attacks gaps downhill, and shows comfort beyond the trenches. His third-down carry late in the game was a perfect example, kept the chains moving, which made a difference.”
In sum, the Seahawks’ backfield is delivering on multiple fronts, and the coaching staff remains optimistic about what lies ahead.