Tag: Cody Barton

Seahawks place linebacker Mychal Kendricks on injured reserve

The Seattle Seahawks placed linebacker Mychal Kendricks on the injured reserve, promoting tackle Chad Wheeler from the practice squad.

The Seattle Seahawks officially placed linebacker Mychal Kendricks (knee) on the injured reserve, ending his 2019 season.

Seattle used the roster spot to promote tackle Chad Wheeler off the practice squad, adding depth on the offensive line.

“Today, just happened,” Carroll confirmed to media members on Wednesday when asked about Kendricks and the injured reserve. “You’re gonna see Chad Wheeler’s gonna come up.”

Kendricks started 14 games for the Seahawks in 2019, recording 71 combined tackles, four passes defended, three sacks and one interception, lining up as the team’s SAM linebacker.

However, a torn ACL suffered in Seattle’s regular season finale against the 49ers forced the team to turn to rookie Cody Barton, who started his third career NFL game on Sunday against the Eagles and recorded five combined tackles, one sack and two passes defended.

Barton will be counted on again on Sunday against Green Bay, although the Packers reliance on Davante Adams out of the slot could push Seattle into more nickel packages.

Wheeler has been a member of Seattle’s practice squad for most of the year. The tackle has appeared in 27 NFL games, making 19 starts, all with the New York Giants.

His experience as a starter and familiarity with coach Mike Solari should allow him to step in and contribute right away, making him an important depth option.

Seattle could be without both Duane Brown and Mike Iupati again on Sunday, which pushes both Jamarco Jones and George Fant into starting roles and leaves the team with just Wheeler as depth at either tackle spot.

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Seahawks linebacker Mychal Kendricks feared to have torn ACL

The Seattle Seahawks fear linebacker Mychal Kendricks tore his ACL on Sunday, which would keep him out of Sunday’s wildcard game.

The injury bug continues for the Seattle Seahawks, who may have lost SAM linebacker Mychal Kendricks to a torn ACL, according to a tweet from NFL Insider Ian Rapoport.

Kendricks left Sunday night’s game against the 49ers in the third quarter, limping off the field. He did not return.

“We did not get test results back from him yet, but he did sprain his knee,” Carroll said on 710 ESPN’s Pete Carroll show on Monday morning. “We’ll have to find out. We don’t know the extent of it yet.”

Kendricks already missed two games this season with a hamstring injury, but has been a key part of the defense when healthy. In 14 games this year, all starts, Kendricks recorded 71 combined tackles, three sacks, four passes defended and one interception.

Kendricks would be replaced by rookie Cody Barton, who filled in for him after he departed. The absence of Kendricks would certainly be felt on Sunday against the Eagles in Philadelphia, where Seattle will look to improve on a 3-12 record in road playoff games.

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Christian McCaffrey provides major test for Seahawks defense

The Seattle Seahawks will have their hands full with Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey, who is having an MVP season.

The Seattle Seahawks defense has had their ups and downs this season. After struggling at the beginning of the year, Seattle found their stride shortly after acquiring safety Quandre Diggs.

The emergence of Jadeveon Clowney, improved performances from Ziggy Ansah and Shaquem Griffin off the edge, and dominance from the secondary helped Seattle finally break through as a bonafide top-ten, maybe even top-five, defense in the league.

That all fell apart last Sunday against the Rams. With Mychal Kendricks and Ansah both out, and Clowney playing hurt, the team was gashed by Jared Goff and Todd Gurley all night long.

Now, Seattle heads into Week 15 without Kendricks and Clowney, and potentially without Shaquill Griffin and Ansah, who are both listed as questionable.

Not only is that a scary thought, but they have the unenviable task of taking on a Panthers squad that boasts perhaps the most lethal non-quarterback in the league on the offensive side of the ball, Christian McCaffrey.

McCaffrey is an elite ball-carrier and pass-catcher, making him a difficult player to game plan against even with Kyle Allen, and not Cam Newton, under center.

“To see him perform at such a high level so consistently, he’s good at everything,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said on Wednesday. “He’s the best combo guy there is. 86 catches he’s got right now. That’s third or fourth in the league right or whatever it is, as well as 1,200 yards. It’s crazy numbers. He brings it. He runs tough and he’s good in the open field. He makes the catches and runs the routes. He’s an incredible player. The answer is yes, it’s built around him. It should be. They figured that out. It wasn’t hard to figure that out. He’s been incredible in his first couple years in the league.”

The Seahawks have been hurt by pass-catching running backs this season, namely Alvin Kamara of the Saints (nine receptions, 92 yards and a touchdown) and Devonta Freeman of the Falcons (eight receptions, 63 yards).

However, what makes this even more daunting is the absence of Kendricks. Seattle’s reliance on their 4-3 base defense often leaves their linebackers in charge of covering running backs on routes out of the backfield.

If they stick with that game plan on Sunday, rookie Cody Barton may end up in coverage on McCaffrey – which is a potentially dangerous combination for the Seahawks.

Perhaps they’ll rely more on their nickel coverage, which would allow Akeem King to cover McCaffrey instead, but so far this season this team has primarily stayed with the 4-3 configuration, even with Kendricks on the shelf.

There’s little doubt that McCaffrey will have a strong game on Sunday, but just how well he performs will have a big impact on the final score, and whether or not the Seahawks finally clinch that playoff spot in the NFC.

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Seahawks expect Cody Barton to take step forward in Week 15

The Seattle Seahawks are hoping a week of experience will allow rookie Cody Barton to be more comfortable on Sunday against the Panthers.

The Seattle Seahawks will once again be without SAM linebacker Mychal Kendricks (hamstring) on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.

That means rookie Cody Barton will draw his second start in a row.

Barton recorded four combined tackles and one pass defended on Sunday against the Rams, but struggled with play-recognition and assignments at times, which proved costly.

However, with a full week of experience under his belt, coach Pete Carroll is confident Barton will be more comfortable against the Panthers, and that his play will reflect that.

“I think he’ll feel much more comfortable,” Carroll said on Friday. “We were just fast and furious, and he was busting his tail running around trying to make his plays and all that. I think he’ll be settling in even more so. Like I said to you, he’s such a smart kid and he works so hard. That’s so important to him. He’ll take advantage of one week to the next week. I think you’ll see him improve for a long time now because of the way he applies himself and all that. We’re expecting him to make a little jump and just clean it up and be more specifically accountable and stuff. The running and hitting part, he was fine. It was just the little things on assignments and recognition and things like that.”

Barton was a third round pick out of the University of Utah in the 2019 NFL draft. He played primarily middle linebacker in college, but has acclimated himself to all three linebacker positions for the Seahawks, serving as the team’s primary backup at each position.

While he may still be behind Kendricks in learning how to recognize plays – simply because of lack of experience – his work ethic and natural ability should help him play better this week, which will be important against a Carolina team with plenty of offensive weapons.

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A look at the Seahawks injuries heading into Week 15

The Seattle Seahawks could see a number of players return from injuries in time to face the Carolina Panthers Week 15.

The Seattle Seahawks are a bit dinged up heading into Week 15 although a number of players could return to action. Coach Pete Carroll provided a number of injury updates during his Monday afternoon press conference.

Running back Rashaad Penny (knee): Penny’s season is now over after he suffered a significant knee injury against the Rams. A recent report indicates Penny has a torn ACL.

Wide receiver Tyler Lockett (leg, illness): Lockett has been battling the illness circling the Seahawks locker room but should be on the mend. “He’s fighting through it,” Carroll told reporters. “You can tell he’s carrying it. He’s out of that now. It’s a real positive for us. I’m glad for him.”

Linebacker K.J. Wright (finger): Wright only missed a few snaps Sunday night after he dislocated his finger.

Linebacker Cody Barton: Carroll couldn’t be certain yet whether or not Barton is battling a knee or ankle injury. “I don’t know that, I don’t know if it’s one or the other,” Carroll explained. “Generally, it would be your knee because it’s a more difficult injury, but I don’t know. He was okay and he went back int here. He’s very tough and very demanding of himself. He just overcame it. We’ll find out. I don’t know.”

Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (core): “He’s hurting – he’s going to have to work his way through the week to make it for game day,” Carroll cautioned. “He’s playing really tough under the circumstances. He’s got some core issues that he’s working with, but he’s making it through. He’s toughing it out, doing rehab and all that stuff.”

Defensive end Ziggy Ansah (neck): Ansah was inactive Week 14 but Carroll expects him to practice ahead of the Panthers. “Yeah, I do because he practiced last week,” Carroll said. “He certainly should, it’s just whether his strength can be mustered here by the end of the week and get back at it. We’ll look forward to that.”

Seattle and Carolina are set to kick off Sunday at 10:00 a.m. PT.

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Seahawks rookie Cody Barton to have MRI on his knee

Seattle Seahawks rookie linebacker Cody Barton suffered a pair of injuries on Sunday night, and is having an MRI done on his knee.

The Seattle Seahawks saw their already thin linebacker group take another hit on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams.

Starting in place of Mychal Kendricks (hamstring), rookie Cody Barton suffered both a knee and ankle injury and is scheduled to have an MRI on Monday, according to coach Pete Carroll.

“He strained his knee a little bit and [had] a little bit of an ankle thing,” Carroll said on 710 ESPN’s Pete Carroll show. “We gotta figure that out. He’s gonna get an MRI today to find out where he is. He was able to go back in the game, tough as nails and finished it, but I don’t know.”

Barton had a big role on Sunday, appearing on 58 defensive snaps (83 percent) as well as 16 snaps on the special teams. He came out after getting hurt in the fourth quarter but returned after just a few plays, apparently playing through the knee strain.

He finished with four combined tackles and one pass defended.

Barton’s health will be a big factor this week, as Kendricks may not make it back in time for Sunday’s game against the Panthers. Additionally, WILL linebacker K.J. Wright suffered a dislocated finger on Sunday, although Carroll expects him to be fine by next week.

If neither Kendricks or Barton are able to play, expect fellow rookie Ben Burr-Kirven to step into a starting role on defense.

Seattle could also opt to use their nickel package – which only requires two linebackers – a lot more as well.

Check back throughout the week for updates on Seattle’s injuries before they head South to take on the Panthers in their final road game of the season.

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3 things to watch: Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams

The Seattle Seahawks could clinch a spot in the playoffs with a win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football.

The Seattle Seahawks have an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot with a win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football.

With an extremely tight race in the crowded NFC, every game will be crucial for Seattle to win if they want to secure a top-two seed and avoid having to play in the wildcard game on the road for the second year in a row.

That alone makes this game must-watch TV for Seahawks, and football, fans. everywhere.

In addition to those factors, and the recent rivalry between Seattle and Los Angeles, there are plenty of key things for fans to watch for in this game.

Here are three things, one on offense, one on defense, and one on the special teams, for Seahawks fans to be watching for on Sunday night.

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Cody Barton, Ugo Amadi both benefit if Mychal Kendricks is out

If the Seattle Seahawks are without Mychal Kendricks on Sunday night, expect to see rookies Cody Barton and Ugo Amadi a lot more.

The Seattle Seahawks listed SAM linebacker Mychal Kendricks as doubtful for their Week 14 matchup with the Rams in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Seattle’s reliance on the 4-3 base defense is in part thanks to their faith in Kendricks’ ability in pass coverage and as a blitzer. If they are without him, coach Pete Carroll admitted the team will probably rely more on their nickel package.

While he would not say which player would be employed in that role, it’s expected that rookie Ugo Amadi will get a chance against LA’s speedy slot receiver, Cooper Kupp.

However, the Seahawks will still run a hefty amount of their base defense, meaning rookie Cody Barton could get a big opportunity to show what he is capable of in Kendricks’ absence.

“Cody’s a good player and we’re anxious to see him contribute,” Carroll said on Friday. “He played quite a bit last week, more than he has been. He’s ready to go.”

Barton was a third round pick out of Utah in the 2019 NFL Draft. He was a middle linebacker in college, but has worked hard to learn all three linebacker spots in Seattle, so that he can serve as a valuable backup at any spot when called upon.

“Cody is a particularly diligent worker,” Carroll continued. “Smart kid. Plays all three spots. He’s as well versed a guy coming in as you can hope for, for a young guy. We really don’t have any hesitation in trusting that he can play.”

So while the Seahawks will likely rely on the nickel package, fans will still get a healthy dose of Barton on Sunday night – assuming Kendricks gets the night off.

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Pete Carroll confident Jadeveon Clowney, Jarran Reed will play Monday

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is confident that Jadeveon Clowney, Jarran Reed and Al Woods will all suit up on Monday night.

The Seattle Seahawks listed five players as questionable ahead of their Monday night matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, but coach Pete Carroll is optimistic many – if not all – of them will play.

Jadeveon Clowney, Jarran Reed, Mychal Kendricks, Al Woods and Luke Willson – all starters or important contributors – were listed as questionable ahead of Saturday afternoon’s practice.

Clowney is the most notable, having sat out last week against the Eagles with a core injury that will not require surgery, but will force him to play through pain for the rest of the year.

“We practiced him very lightly today but he did well yesterday,” Carroll said on Saturday. “He should be ready to go.”

Clowney is expected to be joined on the defensive line by both Reed and Woods. Reed suffered an ankle injury against the Eagles, but after being limited at practice this week he is expected to be recovered in time to play against Minnesota.

Woods is also dealing with an ankle injury, although it sounds like his situation is more veteran rest than anything else.

“He had a sore foot, we just made sure to give him some rest on it,” Carroll said. “He practiced today and looked fine. This is the time of the year where those guys, they ain’t gonna be perfect but they all feel like they can play.”

While Carroll was optimistic about his three defensive linemen, he was less confident about Kendricks and Willson – who are both dealing with hamstring injuries.

“He had a little tightness in his hammy yesterday so we thought we’d rest him today and get him a couple days here to cool him down,” Carroll said about Kendricks. “He takes a lot of reps in practices and so we thought it would be best to just rest him. We’ll see what happens. We’ll need to check him on game day though.”

Kendricks is the team’s SAM linebacker and has played a lot this year with the team sticking primarily in their base 4-3 defense. If he is unable to go, expect to see a lot of Cody Barton, and potentially more of either Akeem King or Ugo Amadi in the nickel role.

Willson missed last Sunday’s game against Philadelphia with a hamstring injury, but Carroll has continued to be pleased with how rapidly he has worked to recover and get back on the field.

“He made really good progress, he was flying up and down the field,” Carroll said. “We just gotta be careful, we just don’t want it to linger. We’ll wait to make a decision on this one.”

Willson is a big part of Seattle’s offense, but the recent play of Jacob Hollister and the promotion of Tyrone Swoopes from the practice squad allows the team to give Willson some extra recovery time, if needed.

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