Seattle Seahawks Sign Ex-University of Washington RB Louis Rankin

(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

The Seattle Seahawks have signed former University of Washington running back Louis Rankin to their practice squad, according to the team’s website.

Rankin, who rushed for over 1,000 yards during his senior year at UW in 2007, has spent the past two seasons with the Oakland Raiders.

The 6′1″, 205-pound tailback was on Oakland’s active roster for two games this season, acting as the team’s kick returner early on.

Rankin was released prior to last Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos. There was some speculation that the Raiders were attempting to sign Rankin to their own practice squad, were he able to sneak through waivers.

Instead, it was the Seahawks who made a move, and now Rankin appears destined to at least put some heat on second-year tailback Justin Forsett in practice.

Forsett has been largely ineffective as the third-string tailback this season. His stint as kick and punt returner has been modest, but far from impressive.

To make room for Rankin on the practice squad, the Hawks cut running back Devin Moore and linebacker Thomas Williams. With Rankin’s addition, there is still currently one open slot on the practice roster.

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