Chauncey Washington is a 5-foot-11, 215-pounder out of USC who was with the New York Jets practice squad. He is expected to contribute on special teams before getting carries in the backfield.
“I’m glad I got the opportunity,” he said following Wednesday’s practice. “So whatever they ask me to do, that’s what I’m going to do.”
The 25-year-old was a seventh-round pick in 2008 and appeared in six games with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a rookie, rushing four times for nine yards and catching one pass for nine yards. He played in two games with the Dallas Cowboys last season.
“He’s a big back,” Spagnuolo said Wednesday. “When you watch tape of him, he’s kind a power runner. He had some good quality special teams reps. So we hope to get both of those things.”
Washington carried 20 times for 75 yards, had one catch for 11 yards and lost one fumble in his four preseason games with the Jets this season.
Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll recruited Washington to USC and was asked about him on a conference call on Wednesday.
“Chauncey is a really instinctive runner,” Carroll said. “He’s always been a very effective runner in style he’s an aggressive attack guy that also has instincts for breaking plays and getting out in the open and making people miss. He’s a good catcher.
“I watched him since he was about 14, 15 years old grow up as a running back. He has always been a natural instinctive guy with good toughness and big play ability. I know he had a good camp with the Jets and was playing behind some really good players there and this opportunity is great for Chauncey and I’m sure he’ll do well in this one.”