The Seattle Seahawks used a sixth round pick in the 2019 NFL draft on running back Travis Homer, a decision that had many scratching their heads.

After all, the team already had Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny, C.J. Prosise, J.D. McKissic and Bo Scarbrough in camp, and didn’t seem to have room for another back.

However, Homer showed enough promise as a change-of-pace back to make Seattle’s 53-man roster, and through four games this season he has had a big impact on the team – even though he hasn’t gotten a chance to carry the ball yet.

Instead, Homer has made an impression on the special teams, with coach Pete Carroll heaping praise on the rookie’s performance on teams so far this season.

“He’s been just exactly what you want out of a rookie guy; that makes the team, a lower pick, battles his way through camp, shows good stuff,” Carroll commented on Monday. “He’s the leading effort guy in the special teams group. He just seems so consistently on, and it’s not all the tackles. Just his chase, and willingness. He’s doing a great job.”

Homer was seen playing the up back role on the punt team, a spot usually reserved for Shaquem Griffin. That’s another sign that Homer is in favor as a core special teamer right now – which is crucial for a Seahawks team that traded Barkevious Mingo and lost Neiko Thorpe to injury for the past couple weeks.

Homer will eventually get his chance on offense, particularly if injuries impact Seattle’s group of running backs, but for now he has made himself invaluable to this organization with his work on the special teams.