Seattle head coach Pete Carroll said Penny should be in store for a larger role Sunday's game against the Cardinals after the running back didn't see the field in last week's 17-0 loss to the Packers, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports. "I'm really looking forward to Rashaad, really looking forward to seeing where he goes and contributes this week," Carroll said. "He's got a really good role for us and we're anxious to see him get going. As we go through the next couple of weeks, you'll see him continue to be a big part of it."
Penny was phased out of the game plan in Seattle's Week 10 loss to the Packers after he mustered only 16 yards on 13 carries in his first two contests upon returning from a five-week absence due to a calf injury. Fortunately for Penny, No. 1 back Alex Collins (3.3 yards per carry) hasn't performed much better on a larger sample of totes over the past three games, so there could be an opportunity for the 2018 first-round pick to move up the depth chart if he's able to capitalize on more of his chances beginning in Week 11. At the very least, both Penny and Collins should have a longer runway to compete for reps after Carroll announced Friday that the team's top back to open the campaign, Chris Carson, is headed for season-ending neck surgery.