With multiple running backs injured, Seahawks adding veteran Wayne Gallman for depth

It’s December. That’s means shopping season for the Seahawks.

In what’s become an annual tradition like the holidays, Seattle is signing a veteran running back for depth.

It’s again because of injuries at the sport’s most attrited position.

The Seahawks are signing Wayne Gallman to the practice squad, per a report by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old former New York Giants draft choice hasn’t played this season. Kansas City signed him to its practice squad Oct. 12 then released him Nov. 29. He played six games for Atlanta and two for Minnesota in 2021. He only played on special teams, 10 snaps, last season for the Vikings.

The Seahawks signing Gallman comes two years to the day he romped for his career high of 135 yards against them in a Giants win at Seattle, Dec. 6, 2020. That was the end of his career-best season, 682 yards rushing with six touchdowns in 2020.

Seahawks rookie starter Kenneth Walker has an uncommon strain in a small area of his ankle that is not a longer-term issue such as a high-ankle sprain. Coach Pete Carroll said that Monday, a day after Walker left Seattle’s win at the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter and did not return. Walker ran for 30 yards on the Seahawks’ first offensive play, then only two other times for 6 yards before he got hurt.

Walker has been starting since Rashaad Penny broke his fibula in mid-October.

“He has an area of his ankle that is sore, that he jammed,” Carroll said. “There is some strained tissue in there, but it’s not an ankle sprain. It’s not a high-ankle sprain. It’s not a lateral sprain like we normally report on. It’s different than that.”

Walker’s backup DeeJay Dallas got what Carroll said might be more of a ligament, high-ankle issue carrying the ball on the final play of the first half Sunday against the Rams. The Seahawks are awaiting more tests on Dallas, who had a key blitz pickup in the first quarter Sunday that allowed Geno Smith the time to throw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Lockett for Seattle’s first score in L.A.

Travis Homer missed the Rams game with a knee injury plus illness. Carroll said the team has to evaluate more of Homer’s condition this week.

That’s three running backs iffy entering the preparation for the Seahawks (7-5) playing the Carolina Panthers (4-8) Sunday at Lumen Field.

Carroll had said Monday the team was content for now to rely on the backs Seattle had on its roster, including two on the practice squad including Darwin Thompson.

Thompson and Godwin Igwebuike now have company on Seattle’s practice squad at running back.