Seahawks WR DK Metcalf returns to practice

Seahawks WR DK Metcalf returns to practice

The Seattle Seahawks returned to the practice field on Wednesday following their Week 10 bye. Head coach Mike Macdonald is preparing for a critical Week 11 game versus NFC West arch rival San Francisco 49ers. In outstanding news, superstar wide receiver DK Metcalf returned to practice.

Metcalf suffered a sprained knee injury in a blowout Week 7 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. He missed the following two contests, losses to the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams. All in all, bye week included, Metcalf was sidelined for three-and-a-half weeks with the knee-based ailment.

Metcalf has totaled 35 receptions for 568 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The former Ole Miss standout is averaging an explosive 16.2 yards per catch. Metcalf also leads all Seahawks pass catchers in receiving yards per game (81.1) by a sizable margin.

Metcalf was largely limited by the 49ers’ defense in their first meeting of the season. Metcalf accumulated just three receptions via 11 targets for 48 receiving yards. It was his second-worst performance of the 2024 campaign, trailing just his quiet afternoon in a Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos.

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith will be anxious to get his go-to playmaker back. The 4-5 Seahawks trail the 5-4 49ers in the NFC West. Metcalf will attempt to provide the offense with a much-needed boost.

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Seahawks place DB K’Von Wallace on IR, add NT to 53-man roster

Seahawks place DB K’Von Wallace on IR, add NT to 53-man roster

The Seattle Seahawks announced various roster moves on Monday afternoon. Rotational safety K’Von Wallace was placed on IR. Wallace will now miss a minimum of four contests after injuring his ankle during a kickoff against the Los Angeles Rams in a Week 10 defeat. The earliest he can return is against the Green Bay Packers in Week 15.

Wallace’s injury represents the latest setback in Mike Macdonald’s ravaged secondary. Starting safety Rayshawn Jenkins remains on IR with a hand injury and will be sidelined for at least one more contest. Versatile defensive back Artie Burns is also on IR.

Coby Bryant and Julian Love had been the starting safeties prior to the Seahawks’ Week 10 bye. With Wallace now joining Jenkins and Burns on IR, Jerrick Reed II and Ty Okada (practice squad) could be forced to play rotational roles behind the makeshift starters.

Elsewhere, the Seahawks filled Wallace’s roster spot by claiming nose tackle Brandon Pili off waivers. A former undrafted free agent out of USC, Pili previously spent time with the Miami Dolphins. The big bodied interior defender totaled 99 defensive snaps across two seasons in Miami, accumulating six total tackles.

Fellow nose tackle Cameron Young was recently placed on IR by Seattle. That offers Pili an opportunity to play some rotational snaps behind Johnathan Hankins. General manager John Schneider continues to churn the roster.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers encouraging Abe Lucas update

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers encouraging Abe Lucas update

The right tackle position was a major sore spot for the Seattle Seahawks in Sunday’s defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. Veteran tackle George Fant received the start after being activated off IR. Fant was credited with allowing two pressures and one sack before re-injuring his knee and exiting the game.

Fant was replaced by rookie blocker Mike Jerrell, who had started the previous two contests at right tackle. Jerrell also struggled, allowing two sacks and four pressures. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald offered an encouraging update about the position during Monday’s press conference.

Presumed starter Abe Lucas has missed the entire campaign on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Lucas recently returned to practice and is working towards making his debut. With the Seahawks on a Week 10 bye, Macdonald said Lucas may start at right tackle versus the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11.

The 4-5 Seahawks are currently dead-last in the NFC West. The standings will receive another shake-up in Week 10, but the following contest versus the 49ers is a potentially decisive one. Macdonald’s Seahawks are currently 0-2 in the division and must turn around their fortunes if they hope to qualify for the postseason. Getting Lucas back could provide Seattle’s lackluster offensive line with a much-needed jolt.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers injury updates on Abe Lucas, Byron Murphy II, more

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers injury updates on Abe Lucas, Byron Murphy II, more

Injuries have begun mounting for the Seattle Seahawks in recent weeks. Several key players missed Thursday’s defeat to the San Francisco 49ers, including cornerback Riq Woolen, and rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II. Head coach Mike Macdonald recently offered updates on several injured players.

The expectation is that Murphy will return for Sunday’s Week 7 contest versus the Atlanta Falcons. The No. 16 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Murphy has missed three consecutive games, all losses, since injuring his hamstring in a victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 3.

Murphy has recorded six tackles (one tackle for loss), a half-sack, one quarterback hit, and three pressures in his three appearances this season. Murphy’s return would provide the Seahawks with another interior defensive lineman reinforcement after general manager John Schneider acquired veteran player Roy Robertson-Harris in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday.

 

Elsewhere, Macdonald said that he hopes injured right tackle Abe Lucas could start practicing “soon.” Injury updates on Lucas have been seldom received since the third-year blocker was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list in late July. Replacement starter George Fant is on IR with injury, too. The team recently signed veteran tackle Jason Peters, but have been starting the struggling Stone Forsythe at right tackle.

Macdonald did not initially have updates on injured cornerbacks Tre Brown (ankle) and Artie Burns (toe). Those updates should arrive at practice later this week. The Seahawks are getting healthier as they attempt to stop the bleeding versus the Falcons on Sunday.

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Several Seahawks defenders at risk of missing TNF vs. 49ers

Several Seahawks defenders at risk of missing TNF vs. 49ers

The Seattle Seahawks must swiftly place Sunday’s disappointing home defeat to the New York Giants behind them. There’s no rest for the wicked as the Seahawks prepare to face the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football. It’s Seattle’s first NFC West showdown of the campaign, and Mike Macdonald’s squad will put its division lead at risk.

The Seahawks held a walkthrough on Monday as opposed to a traditional practice. Several key defenders were limited or missing altogether. Pass rushers Derick Hall (foot) and Uchenna Nwosu (thigh) did not participate, nor did rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (hamstring), and cornerback Riq Woolen (ankle). Boye Mafe (knee), and safeties Julian Love (hamstring) and Rayshawn Jenkins (hand) were limited.

Coach Macdonald has already ruled out Nwosu. Nwosu will miss his sixth consecutive game despite not being placed on IR to begin the season. His injury is obviously taken significantly longer to heal than originally anticipated.

Murphy II is also expected to remain sidelined on Thursday due to the quick turnaround. Murphy was injured in the Week 3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. The former Texas Longhorns standout has recorded half a sack and seven pressures this season as a first-year contributor.

Hall and Woolen should see their statuses updated during Tuesday’s practice. Hall leads the Seahawks in sacks with five quarterback takedowns, so his participation on Thursday is imperative. Woolen is Seattle’s No. 1 cornerback and his absence would leave the secondary susceptible to the threats posed by Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.

Limited participation for Mafe, Love, and Jenkins indicates they’re on track to play Thursday, but their practice involvement will be worth monitoring on Tuesday and Wednesday.

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Seahawks will be missing the following crucial pieces vs. Lions

Seahawks will be missing the following crucial pieces vs. Lions

The Seattle Seahawks face a resume-defining game on Monday night when they face the Detroit Lions. The undefeated Seahawks have enjoyed a soft schedule thus far, but Jared Goff and the Lions will offer a significantly stiffer test. Mike Macdonald’s squad will unfortunately be missing several standout players via injury, including the following:

Abe Lucas

Seahawks right tackle Abe Lucas remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. His return to play timeline remains unknown. Lucas’ injury became more front-facing for the Seahawks once another injury occurred across the offensive line.

George Fant

George Fant was acquired as insurance at right tackle by John Schneider. Fant has missed several games and will continue being sidelined on Monday with a hamstring injury. He’s ineligible to return until Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons. Stone Forsythe will continue starting in his place.

Boye Mafe

Boye Mafe initially injured his knee in the Week 2 victory over the New England Patriots. Mafe participated against the Miami Dolphins the following week and has recorded a sack in every single contest. The Seahawks are now taking a cautious approach with their ascending pass rusher.

Uchenna Nwosu

Uchenna Nwosu suffered a multi-week knee injury in the preseason finale. The Seahawks opted against placing him on IR because the initial belief was he’d return against the Lions on Monday night. That unfortunately didn’t come to fruition, but Macdonald possesses faith that Nwosu will return against the New York Giants next weekend.

Leonard Williams

Leonard Williams exited the victory over the Miami Dolphins with a rib injury. Williams consistently didn’t practice leading up to Monday’s primetime showdown. The Lions will be without Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow. It’s a shame the Seahawks may fail to take advantage of his absence.

Byron Murphy II

Rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II is nursing a hamstring injury. The Seahawks will rely on Jarran Reed and Johnathan Hankins in his absence. Quinton Bohanna is a possible practice squad call up.

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Uchenna Nwosu return follows expected timeline for Seahawks

Uchenna Nwosu return follows expected timeline for Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks did not practice on Wednesday because they’re operating on an altered schedule. Everything has been pushed back a day as a result of playing on Monday Night Football versus the Detroit Lions in Week 4. When the Seahawks practice on Thursday, the expectation is that superstar pass rusher Uchenna Nwosu will partake in his first practice session since injuring his knee in the preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns.

Despite suffering the multi-week setback, the Seahawks kept Nwosu on their 53-man roster and never shifted him to injured reserve. Placing Nwosu on IR would have sidelined him for a minimum of four games. He missed Seattle’s opening three contests, but appears primed to return in Week 4. That makes it likely that Seattle was always targeting this date for his return, meaning he’s returning one game earlier than an IR stint would have allowed.

Seattle’s pass rush has been outstanding through three weeks despite missing their 2022 sack leader. Boye Mafe continues to take steps forward with 3.0 sacks in as many games. Sophomore Derick Hall has developed into a legitimate threat with a tied-for-team-high 3.0 sacks after recording zero quarterback takedowns as a rookie last season.

When healthy, Nwosu has consistently been Seattle’s best pass rusher. During his first year as a Seahawk, Nwosu recorded 9.5 sacks while appearing in all 17 regular-season games. A pectoral injury six showings into 2023 ended his season prematurely. He’d still recorded two sacks and two forced fumbles before being sidelined.

The Seahawks have recorded 50 more pressures than the Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals. That’s how dominant the pass rush has been even without Nwosu. Nwosu’s return should elevate Macondald’s defense to greater heights.

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Seahawks practice squad moves indicate Byron Murphy II could miss time

Seahawks practice squad moves indicate Byron Murphy II could miss time

Seattle Seahawks rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II exited Sunday’s Week 3 victory over the Miami Dolphins with a hamstring injury. Head coach Mike Macdonald provided an update earlier this week, claiming the severity of Murphy’s setback is unknown. On Tuesday, the Seahawks made some practice squad moves that could indicate they’re planning to be without their first-year defender against the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football in Week 4.

The Seahawks signed nose tackle Matt Gotel and cornerback Ty Hall to their practice squad, the team announced via social media. To make room on the p-squad, general manager John Schneider placed running back George Holani on PS injured reserve, and released S Marquise Blair. Gotel is a familiar face, having spent large portions of training camp on the 90 man roster.

Murphy presumably suffered the injury when his legs split in irregular directions.

https://twitter.com/mookiealexander/status/1838284735837298868

Murphy totaled just 12 snaps before exiting with the injury. Veteran defensive tackle Jarran Reed saw an uptick in snaps as a result, playing a season-high 49 snaps, accounting for 80% of Seattle’s defensive plays. Leonard Williams was also injured in Sunday’s win. Johnathan Hankins took on a larger role, too.

If Murphy and/or Williams are sidelined, Gotel could quickly be elevated to the active roster, or as a game-day call-up from the practice squad.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald talks injuries to Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald talks injuries to Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II

The Seattle Seahawks improved to a perfect 3-0 following Sunday’s dominant 24-3 Week 3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. It was nearly a perfect afternoon for the Seahawks, though a handful of injuries put a minor damper on the outcome. Both Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II were lost to injury.

Williams exited the game with an unknown injury to his midsection. Murphy suffered a hamstring injury. Head coach Mike Macdonald offered updates on both injuries during his post-game presser.

“I think we got a picture of it, but I don’t know what the results of that are,” Macdonald said about Williams’ injury. “We’ll find out here in the next couple of days.” The severity of Murphy’s injury remains unknown, but an update could arrive shortly.

Williams eventually returned to the sidelines with his helmet on, observing the remainder of the victory from right behind the coaching staff. Murphy went into the locker room with his injury. He received treatment for a hamstring injury.

Williams has been credited with six tackles, eight quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, and 11 pressures in three games, per Pro Football Focus. Murphy has been credited with four solo tackles, one sack, six QB hurries, and seven pressures. Losing either one, let alone both, would represent a significant blow to Macdonald’s defensive line.

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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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