Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny – about to enter his second NFL season – has been towing the load for Seattle during the offseason with starter Chris Carson recovering from a knee procedure.
“It’s good, getting extra reps,” Penny told reporters after Thursday’s OTAs. “Just now learning how to be a pro. I think that’s the big step for your second year.”
Penny, Seattle’s first-round draft pick in 2018, got a bit of a late start last summer after breaking his finger and sitting on the sidelines for the Seahawks final three preseason games.
He finished the year with 85 carries for 419 yards and two touchdowns.
“It was frustrating to me as a rookie,” Penny explained. “I didn’t know how to take it. I’ve never been hurt playing football in my life. So when that happened I just hit a wall. And I’m glad that I’ve grown up over these past months and this offseason.”
Penny has been making a concerted effort to get in shape, meeting with a nutritionist and reporting for the offseason under 230 pounds.
“Over the past few months and this offseason, I’ve just started taking everything seriously by treating my body right and doing the little things,” Penny continued. “Also, I think what helped me was losing all that extra weight. Now I feel better. I don’t have all those nagging injuries.
“I’m at my best.”
