Report: Seahawks' Carson retiring due to neck injury

Seattle Seahawks running back Chris Carson is retiring from the NFL due to a neck injury, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The Seahawks officially released Carson with the failed injury designation Tuesday, allowing him to receive several million in injury protection benefits.

Carson won't make a retirement statement with the hope his neck issues "dramatically improve," Rapoport added.

The 27-year-old suffered the season-ending injury in November after racking up 232 yards and four touchdowns in four games.

During workouts in June, which Carson missed, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll suggested the running back's playing future was in doubt.

"Our guys love this game that they grow up playing, and when they sense that there may be an end to it, it's hard. It's difficult, and it's real," Carroll said.

Carson produced back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns in 2018-19 but missed the mark in 2020 after sitting out four games with a foot injury.

The Seahawks reinforced their backfield this offseason amid Carson's uncertain future, re-signing Rashaad Penny and drafting Kenneth Walker in the second round.

Penny excelled in the lead role down the stretch in 2021, rushing for 749 yards and six touchdowns in 10 appearances while averaging an NFL-high 6.3 yards per carry.

Seattle selected Carson in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He finishes his career with 3,502 rushing yards, 804 receiving yards, and 31 total touchdowns.