The Seattle Seahawks have signed 25-year-old running back Justin Jones, adding special-teams depth as the team works through preseason roster and injury questions.
Jones, an undrafted rookie out of Auburn listed at 6-foot-1 and 214 pounds, first joined Seattle as a tryout player at rookie minicamp.
The Seahawks signed him to the 90-man roster on Aug. 8, waived him later in camp, then brought him back on Aug. 25 along with offensive tackle Derrick Graham and safety Tysheem Johnson.
The latest move came after safety Bud Clark and guard Mason Richman were placed on injured reserve and after running back Anthony Hankerson was waived.
Jones is not a featured college rusher. Over three seasons at Auburn he recorded 16 carries for 110 yards and two receptions for 6 yards. He played special teams in all 12 games in 2025, blocked a punt against Arkansas, and posted four coverage tackles.
He also spent time at UAB without seeing game action and attended Naval Academy prep school after a standout career at Bessemer Academy in Alabama, where he rushed for more than 2,500 yards. His birthday is June 4.
Seattle’s backfield has been in flux. Zach Charbonnet has been working back from a torn ACL. Rookie Jadarian Price has been near the top of the depth chart when healthy, and the club has mixed in other camp bodies such as T.J. Harden.
Jones’ first preseason stint produced one carry for three yards. His path to a roster or practice-squad spot is more likely through coverage units than as a featured runner.
That profile fits how NFL teams often use late-round and undrafted backs: as extra bodies who can contribute on kickoff and punt coverage while staying ready if injuries hit the primary group. Jones’ blocked punt and consistent special-teams snaps at Auburn are the traits that keep him in the conversation.
Head coach Mike Macdonald’s staff has repeatedly shuffled the 90-man roster through August as it evaluates who can help immediately and who can develop behind the scenes.
Jones will compete for a depth role. He is unlikely to threaten for a large share of carries unless the injury picture changes again. For a player who saw limited offensive touches in the SEC, the Seahawks signing is another chance to prove he belongs as a core special-teamer who can also take a handoff in a pinch.
Seattle will keep evaluating the running back room through the final preseason cuts, and Jones’ return shows the club still sees value in his size, effort, and coverage work.
