Seahawks promote Kelvin Taylor, son of Fred Taylor, to active roster

Kelvin Taylor just heard the words that so many of the working class hope for: “You’re being promoted!” In this case, the promotion may not last as long as most, but it sure does pay well.

The Seattle Seahawks promoted the rookie running back to the 53-man roster on Tuesday, likely meaning that Troymaine Pope’s ankle injury is severe enough to end his season. Taylor, son of Jacksonville Jaguars legend Fred Taylor, was a sixth round pick out of Florida this year by the San Francisco 49ers. He was released during final cuts, placed on the practice squad, then released again on November 28. The Seahawks picked him up and may have a shot to get some snaps on Thursday against the LA Rams.

A four-star recruit in 2013 because why wouldn’t you want the son of Fred Taylor, Kelvin Taylor never really hit his full potential with the Gators but did rush for 1,035 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior last season. That was enough for him to decide to declare early, but he ran just a 4.6 at his Pro Day and no scouts seem to see much of his father — the ninth overall pick in 1998, also out of Florida — in his game.

Kelvin Taylor rushed for 12,121 yards as a high schooler, most in state history, but it also came over five years because apparently you can play as a high schooler when you’re in the eighth grade.

The team won’t be asking Kelvin to do anything like what his father did over 11 years with the Jaguars, just perhaps picking up a few snaps behind Thomas Rawls. If it’s the end of Pope’s season, he ended up with 11 carries for 43 yards with Seattle. Alex Collins got the most extensive action of his rookie season on Sunday against the Packers, carrying it seven times for 23 yards. They may not be liking what they see from Collins (most fans aren’t), and this gives them a new option on game day.

Will Tukuafu remains in concussion protocol.