Tag: seahawks injuries

Can Zach Charbonnet carry load for Seahawks if Kenneth Walker misses Week 2?

Can Zach Charbonnet carry load for Seahawks if Kenneth Walker misses Week 2?

Seattle Seahawks starting running back Kenneth Walker III missed his second consecutive practice on Thursday. Walker is day-to-day, per head coach Mike Macdonald, with an oblique injury. His participation for Sunday’s Week 2 game versus the New England Patriots is in legitimate doubt.

If Walker is ruled inactive, Zach Charbonnet would receive the start in Seattle’s backfield. Kenny McIntosh would be elevated to No. 2 duties. Charbonnet is capable of carrying a heavier workload. In two starts for Walker last year, he totaled 157 yards and a TD on 38 touches.

Admittedly, Charbonnet struggled to run the football efficiently in the Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos. The former UCLA standout rushed for just 12 yards via eight carries, averaging an ineffective 1.5 yards per carry en route to a Pro Football Focus rushing grade of 48.0. Charbonnet did make a big-time impact in the second half via a 30-yard receiving touchdown.

Walker was electric on the ground versus the Broncos, rushing for 103 yards and a TD via 20 carries. Occasions like this are exactly what the Seahawks drafted Charbonnet with a second-round pick for despite already having Walker. Charbonnet needs to take on larger responsibility when given the opportunity.

The Patriots defense qualifies as a difficult matchup. They allowed a third-best 70.0 rushing yards in a surprising Week 1 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Pay close attention to Walker’s practice participation on Friday. It could indicate whether Charbonnet is getting the first-team nod or not.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers mum update on George Fant injury

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers mum update on George Fant injury

Seattle Seahawks starting right tackle George Fant exited Sunday’s 26-20 Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos with a knee injury. Fant played just 13 snaps before being replaced by Stone Forsythe. It’s especially concerning since the Seahawks are already without Abe Lucas.

Head coach Mike Macdonald met with the media on Monday to discuss Sunday’s performance. Asked about Fant’s status moving forward, a mum update was offered. Fant is day-to-day with a knee injury.

https://twitter.com/MikeDugar/status/1833252495239614810

 

Fant was credited with allowing a sack before exiting with the injury. Forsythe, his replacement, also gave up a sack while being tasked with playing the final 54 snaps. Other than that, Forysthe largely held his own, forfeiting two pressures en route to a pass-pro grade of 64.5, according to Pro Football Focus.

Macdonald was mostly pleased with Forsythe’s performance, all things considered.

“Stone, I mean, he did a solid job,” Macdonald said on Monday. “We ended up winning the football game.”

https://twitter.com/gbellseattle/status/1833253694324019396

Forsythe would be tasked with starting against the New England Patriots in Week 2 if Fant fails to recover. Backup tackle Mike Jerrell would also be active as a reserve blocker. The Patriots sacked Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow three times in a shocking Week 1 upset.

Forsythe will have to continue providing the Seahawks with at least league-average play if they’re to survive Fant’s potential absence.

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Seahawks LB Jerome Baker returns to practice ahead of Week 1

Seahawks LB Jerome Baker returns to practice ahead of Week 1

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jerome Baker returned to practice on Monday. Baker was seen participating during warmups, which is the only portion of practice beat reports are allowed to watch nowadays. The Seahawks won’t release their first injury report until Wednesday, but it’s an encouraging sign for his availability for Sunday’s Week 1 matchup versus the Denver Broncos.

https://twitter.com/BradyHenderson/status/1830738223276208132

Baker did not play a single snap throughout the preseason and has been a limited participant due to two separate injuries suffered during the summer. The former Ohio State standout was first sidelined during spring workouts after undergoing offseason surgery for a wrist injury. Upon his return from that setback, Baker dealt with a hamstring issue that forced the Seahawks to take a cautious approach during the exhibition.

The Seahawks signed Baker to a one-year contract worth up to $7 million earlier this offseason following his release from the Miami Dolphins. Baker is part of a new-look linebacker core as a projected starter opposite fellow free-agent addition Tyrel Dodson. Together, they’ll try and replace the production lost from Bobby Wagner.

Off-ball linebacker is an important position in this Seahawks defense. Head coach Mike Macdonald coached Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen with the Baltimore Ravens last season, two tone-setting defenders that spearheaded Macdonald’s league-leading defense.

It’s unfortunate that Baker wasn’t healthy throughout training camp and the preseason. He missed crucial reps that were key to acclimating to Macdonald’s defense. Ultimately, Seattle took the smart approach to preserve the health of a starting defender. Their caution appears primed to be rewarded with Baker playing against the Broncos this weekend.

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Seahawks offer injury update on Uchenna Nwousu

Seahawks offer injury update on Uchenna Nwousu

It qualified as slightly surprising when Seattle Seahawks EDGE Uchenna Nwosu appeared on the initial 53-man roster earlier this week. Nwosu suffered a multi-week knee injury in the preseason finale victory over the Cleveland Browns that was said to make him a candidate to begin the season on IR. General manager John Schneider did not make that move, nor does he anticipate having to place his star pass rusher on IR.

That’s terrific because it strongly indicates Nwosu will miss less than the required four contests had he been placed on IR. The only reason to keep Nwosu active is if he’s scheduled to return during Weeks 1-3. The former USC standout’s status for Week 1 versus the Denver Broncos remains unknown.

The Seahawks were prepared for Nwosu to be placed on IR. They acquired veteran EDGE Trevis Gipson in a trade leading up to roster cut-down day. Addin Gipson meant the Seahawks kept five total outside linebackers on the roster, including Nwosu, Dre’Mont Jones, Derick Hall, and Boye Mafe.

It would be ideal to have Nwosu against dual-threat quarterback Bo Nix and the Broncos in Week 1. If that proves to be wishful thinking, the Seahawks take on the New England Patriots in Week 2, and the high-octane Miami Dolphins in Week 3. All current signs point to Nwosu returning within that time frame.

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Uchenna Nwosu sends message to Seahawks fans via social media

Uchenna Nwosu sends message to Seahawks fans via social media

Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu suffered a knee injury in Saturday’s preseason finale victory over the Cleveland Browns. We now know that Nwosu’s setback is a sprained MCL that’s expected to sideline him for multiple weeks, making him a candidate to start the new campaign on IR. The Seahawks suggested as much by trading for EDGE Trevis Gipson on Monday morning.

If Seahawks general manager John Schneider places Nwosu on IR ahead of Tuesday afternoon’s roster-cutting deadline, the versatile defender will be forced to miss a minimum of four contests. Knowing that’s the likely outcome, Nwosu left an encouraging message on his social media accounts for Seahawks fans on Monday afternoon. He posted “brb,” which stands for “be right back.”

Nwosu appears primed for a bounce-back campaign in 2024, but this setback will limit his early-season involvement and production. The former USC standout suffered a season-ending torn pectoral injury in Week 7 last season after recording two sacks in six games. The arrival of defensive-minded head coach Mike Macdonald was a favorable development for Nwosu, given his versatility and what Macdonald achieved in Baltimore last season with defenders such as Patrick Queen, Roquan Smith, and Jadeveon Clowney.

The Seahawks are expected to rely on four pass rushers on their initial 53 man roster. The likes of Dre’Mont Jones, Boye Mafe, and Derick Hall will shoulder the majority of the pass-rushing workload on the edges in Nwosu’s absence. Gipson should also make the roster after being acquired via trade. Undrafted free agents Jamie Sheriff and Nelson Ceaser are practice squad candidates.

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Seahawks starting S Rayshawn Jenkins leaves practice injured

Seahawks starting S Rayshawn Jenkins leaves practice injured

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.

 

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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Is Jerome Baker injury becoming concerning for Seahawks?

Is Jerome Baker injury becoming concerning for Seahawks?

As expected, projected Seattle Seahawks starting off-ball linebacker Jerome Baker did not play in Saturday’s Week 2 preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans. Baker was also a non-participant during joint practice sessions with the Titans earlier in the week. His absence with a hamstring injury has now officially crossed the two-week mark, and perhaps it’s time to start concerning yourself with his early-season involvement.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald recently commented on Baker’s injury, declining to provide an exact timeline for his return to the practice field.

“I can’t give you a date on when he’s coming back, but he should be going here pretty soon,” Macdonald said. “The plan is to have him ready for week 1, yeah, for sure.”

The Seahawks are being cautious with Baker’s hamstring after signing him to a one-year contract worth up to $7 million earlier this offseason following his release from the Miami Dolphins. Baker, who missed four games last season via injury, is being counted on to play off-ball linebacker in Macdonald’s scheme. It’s an important position, given what Macdonald accomplished with Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen as the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens last season.

Rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight continues to receive first-team reps in Baker’s absence. The Seahawks were actually down multiple linebackers heading into Saturday’s exhibition contest against the Titans, with Tyrel Dodson also sitting out. Knight played 49 snaps, 66% of Seattle’s defensive plays, as a result.

The Seahawks are approximately two-and-a-half weeks away from their regular-season opener with the Denver Broncos. Macdonald and his defensive coaching staff aim to get Baker practicing well before then. Now’s the time to begin monitoring when Baker returns to practice.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers injury updates on Dre’Mont Jones, Noah Fant, more

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers injury updates on Dre’Mont Jones, Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald met with local media following Thursday’s practice. The Seahawks have completed preparation for Saturday’s preseason Week 1 contest versus the Los Angeles Chargers. Macdonald offered updates on the practice and injury statuses of several keynote players, including Dre’Mont Jones and Noah Fant.

Macdonald noted that Jones, Fant, and Darrell Taylor should return to practice next week. That rules them out of Saturday’s game against the Chargers. Macdonald added that linebacker Jerome Baker and cornerback Michael Jackson are still facing uncertain timetables.

The Seahawks are anxious to get Jones back. They paid the dominant d-linemen $51.5 million last offseason to be a centerpiece of the pass rush. Jones didn’t quite meet expectations, recording just 4.5 sacks, his lowest output in that department since 2019. There’s renewed hope under the tutelage of Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde.

Fant is hoping to experience a bounce-back season after being limited to 11 regular-season appearances last year. There’s a big opportunity for Fant in the offense with fellow tight ends Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson having signed elsewhere. The 2019 first-round pick signed a two-year extension with the Seahawks in March, and needs to get back on the practice field to work on mastering Ryan Grubb’s new offense.

Taylor is another player that can’t afford to endure a lengthy stint on the sidelines. The best-case scenario sees Taylor battling for playing time with recent draftees Boye Mafe and Derick Hall. The worst-case scenario? He’s battling for a roster spot with rookie undrafted free agent Nelson Ceaser.

The “to be determined” timeline for Baker is unfortunate and borderline concerning. He’s penciled into a starting role in Macdonald’s defense, one that maximized the productivity of off-ball linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen in Baltimore last season. Baker missed four games through injury last season, so the Seahawks will hope this isn’t becoming a trend.

Jackson has been a mainstay with the Seahawks since joining the team in 2021. The former Miami standout earned a sizable 472 defensive reps last season. Once Jackson returns to practice, he’ll reclaim his role as a rotational cornerback.

Seahawks injury updates: Tyrel Dodson, Anthony Bradford, JSN and more

Yesterday we learned that Dodson is also injured with an undisclosed issue and Macdonald doesn’t expect him back until training camp, either.

The Seahawks closed out their 2024 mandatory minicamp a day early. After yesterday’s practice head coach Mike Macdonald sent players home for the summer, so they won’t return until training camp begins in about six weeks.

Before we head into the weekend, we have a few small injury updates to share, courtesy of the beat reporters who were on-hand at the VMAC for yesterday’s practice. Brady Henderson at ESPN reports that right guard Anthony Bradford returned to practice for the first time this spring. Bradford had been out with an ankle injury since last season ended. He is projected to start at right guard, as rookie Christian Haynes is still working with the second-string offensive line unit.

Also, right tackle George Fant missed yesterday’s practice. Fortunately, it’s not injury related and head coach Mike Macdonald told reporters that it’s about managing his workload. The next man up at right tackle was Raiqwon O’Neal. The depth beneath Abe Lucas could turn out to be one of the team’s biggest x-factors, depending on how his knee recovers from surgery. Lucas missed 11 games last season with chronic pain.

Also, a couple of players suffered what appeared to be minor injuries during Wednesday’s practice. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba left practice early with a shoulder issue but Macdonald said the Seahawks were just playing it safe by sitting him out. Also, receiver Laviska Shenault left early with a foot injury, but Macdonald was also unbothered about that one.

The one real negative injury update we have to share concerns linebacker Tyrel Dodson. Seattle was already relatively thin at this spot with Jerome Baker on the sidelines until training camp with a wrist injury from Week 18 last season. Yesterday we learned that Dodson is also injured with an undisclosed issue and Macdonald doesn’t expect him back until training camp, either.

With their two projected starters at inside linebacker out, the team went with Jon Rhattigan and Patrick O’Connell at practice.

This is pretty far from ideal, but fans should keep in mind that it’s only the middle of June and there isn’t anything to do until training camp, anyway.

If Dodson and Baker are still out by the time the preseason starts then it might become a legitimate concern. Until then, remember that the Seahawks were always going to take a step backwards at this position after the exits of Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks, who both signed lucrative deals with other teams in free agency.

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Knee injury for Seahawks RT Abe Lucas is ‘really bothering him’

Yesterday head coach Pete Carroll told reporters that Lucas’ knee is really bothering him and it’ll be hard for him to get back.

The Seahawks have had a lot of injuries this season, beginning in a training  camp that general manager John Schneider has admitted got a little too intense. The most significant one is the chronic knee pain issue for starting right tackle Abe Lucas, who was shut down after Week 1 and remained on the injured reserve list until the end of November.

The knee is acting up again, as Lucas was subbed out of Sunday’s loss to the Steelers. In his place, Stone Forsythe going against T.J. Watt went about as well as you would expect. Heading into Week 18, it sounds like Lucas will be out again. Yesterday head coach Pete Carroll told reporters that Lucas’ knee is really bothering him and it’ll be hard for him to get back.

Lucas was one of seven players who were listed as non-participants on yesterday’s injury report. Another one was Jason Peters, who would normally be the next man up behind Lucas at right tackle. Peters has a foot injury, so most likely we will see Forsythe starting against Arizona.

That’s far from ideal, both this week and in the long run. Lucas is a critical piece for a young and up-and-coming roster, even if it’s underperforming right now. If the knee keeps Lucas out of action frequently, they’re going to have to consider drafting a new franchise right tackle. This will be something to monitor closely in 2024.

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