Seattle Seahawks starting safety Rayshawn Jenkins left Wednesday’s practice with an injury, according to multiple reports from local media members in attendance.
Jenkins exited the practice field with a medical staffer while favoring his lower left leg, per Gregg Bell. The injury occurred when the versatile safety attempted to break-up a sideline pass attempt by starting quarterback Geno Smith on the first play of an 11-on-11 no-pads scrimmage drill.
#Seahawks 19th preseason practice:
*New starting S Rayshawn Jenkins leaves injured
*DK Metcalf, Geno Smith shine
*Connor Williams' most work yet at C
*More, 3 days before preseason finale vs Clevelandhttps://t.co/ZAjDUR7s86 @thenewstribune— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) August 21, 2024
Jenkins has been Seattle’s starting safety opposite Julian Love since the first offseason practices in May and has remained in that role throughout training camp and the preseason. Head coach Mike Macdonald has been high on Jenkins since the Seahawks signed him to a two-year contract worth $12 million earlier this summer. He reached the market after the Jacksonville Jaguars released him from his previous deal in March.
Fellow offseason acquisition K’Von Wallace replaced Jenkins as the starting safety in Macdonald’s base defense following Jenkins’ premature exit. Wallace was signed to be a depth player, and to play in three-safety looks in Macdonald’s defensive scheme. The Seahawks are fortunate to have his experience and versatility in a reserve role, but they’d prefer to have their starter available.
Wallace concluded Tuesday’s practice with a pick-six interception return of backup quarterback Sam Howell. The following session, he was starting in place of the injured Jenkins. You never know when an opportunity is going to arise.
Jenkins recorded 101 tackles for the Jaguars last season. It marked his second consecutive 100-plus tackle campaign. Jenkins added nine pass breakups, two interceptions, and one sack to his defensive totals. He’s accumulated 464 tackles, 33 passes defensed, 10 interceptions, and 3.5 sacks through his seven-year NFL career to date.
There was no immediate word on the severity of Jenkins’ injury.
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