Status of Seahawks RB Chris Carson still unknown after neck surgery

Seattle Seahawks running back Chris Carson appeared in just four games this past season before he was initially sidelined with a neck injury, and head coach Pete Carroll suggested in late October that Carson may not return before the completion of the campaign. Carroll was proven right, as Carson ultimately elected to undergo season-ending neck surgery later in the fall.

Carroll couldn't offer any timetable for Carson's potential return to facing contact when speaking with reporters ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft that opens this coming Thursday night. 

"We really don’t have any real updates at this time," Carroll said of Carson, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. "It’s still gonna take some time, still working through it. He’s really working hard, I know that, and it’s really important to take it as far as you can. So we’ll just have to wait. Take some time to figure that out." 

Per Curtis Crabtree of Seattle's Fox13, Carson has two years remaining on his contract extension, but the final season is merely a voidable year. Last month, Seattle re-signed ball-carrier Rashaad Penny via a one-year deal, and the Seahawks could look to replace Carson on the roster during the draft if they fear he won't be cleared to play anytime soon. 

As noted by ESPN stats, Penny led the Seahawks this past season with 749 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground.