Tag: Seahawks Training Camp

Did Seahawks preseason Week 2 indicate who’s winning RB3 battle?

Did Seahawks preseason Week 2 indicate who’s winning RB3 battle?

One of the biggest remaining positional battles on the Seattle Seahawks’ roster is the perceived one at No. 3 running back. While the Seahawks are still searching for their starting right guard between Christian Haynes and Anthony Bradford, the ongoing competition between Kenny McIntosh and George Holani is also capturing intrigue.

Seattle’s Week 2 preseason defeat to the Tennessee Titans could have hinted at how head coach Mike Macdonald and his staff currently see things. McIntosh received the bulk of the workload against the Titans, easily leading all backs in the snap count with 23 plays, accounting for more than 52% of Seattle’s offensive plays. McIntosh did a fantastic job maximizing those opportunities.

McIntosh rushed for 46 yards via eight carries, averaging an explosive 5.8 yards per carry. His longest run of the day picked up 12, and the former Georgia standout also recorded two receptions for 17 additional yards. McIntosh flashed dual-threat ability, paired with a decisive running style.

Meanwhile Holani earned just nine offensive snaps. The undrafted free agent from Boise State rushed twice for three yards. There are multiple ways to interpret Holani’s lack of usage in Nashville. He’s been impressive all offseason long, making it likely Seattle’s decision-making brass has seen enough from him on offense and special teams to make their determination.

Perhaps the aforementioned “RB3” battle is no battle at all. Sophomore running back Zach Charbonnet has been nursing a lower body injury. Though he recently returned to practice in pads, the Seahawks may ease him back in. Retaining both McIntosh and Holani remains a distinct possibility.

Macdonald’s usage of both McIntosh and Holani versus the Titans indicate they’re in good graces. McIntosh put forth a convincing performance that proved he still belongs. Holani has shown enough to warrant a roster spot.

Seattle should keep both McIntosh and Holani when trimming down their roster to 53 next week.

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Has WR Easop Winston Jr. done enough to make Seahawks roster?

Has WR Easop Winston Jr. done enough to make Seahawks roster?

Seattle Seahawks fifth-year wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. has written one of the team’s more heartwarming stories of training camp. The former undrafted free agent out of Washington State initially joined the Seahawks in 2022 as a member of the practice squad. He’s stuck around ever since.

Winston has consistently made plays throughout camp and the preseason. In Saturday’s Week 2 preseason defeat to the Tennessee Titans, he opened the scoring with a lovely over-the-shoulder 23 yard touchdown grab. Winston led all Seahawks in receptions (3) and receiving yards (47).

Winston is also tied for the Seahawks’ preseason lead in receptions with five, and leads all Seattle pass catchers in receiving yards with 78. He was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded Seahawks player in the Titans game with an elite score of 90.2.

The Seahawks are deep at the wideout position. Together, D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba form one of the best receiving trios around the league. Sophomore UDFA Jake Bobo is having an excellent offseason in his own right and has solidified himself as the WR4. Veteran Laviska Shenault is an outstanding special teams player and projects as the fifth receiver on the roster.

Seahawks general manager John Schneider is tasked with trimming his 90-man roster down to 53 by next Tuesday’s mid-afternoon deadline. How many running backs, offensive linemen, and tight ends the Seahawks retain will determine if they can keep a sixth receiver. Winston isn’t guaranteed to remain on the active roster.

Winston has undeniably put his best foot forward. He’s been a regular standout in camp practices and the preseason. The veteran wideout has performed admirably enough to make most 53-man rosters, but Seattle’s may be too deep. If Schneider can’t justify retaining six receivers, he’ll likely attempt to sign Easton to the practice squad.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers update on the RG position battle

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers update on the RG position battle

The Seattle Seahawks’ starting offensive line for Week 1 is nearly settled. Connor Williams returned to practice on Monday, and indications are that George Fant will begin the season starting in place of the injured Abe Lucas at right tackle. The bigger remaining question is who will be named the starting right guard.

Rookie third-round selection Christian Haynes and sophomore guard Anthony Bradford have been entrenched in a position battle all summer long. Both Haynes and Bradford have taken turns with the first-team offense throughout training camp and the preseason. The battle is going right down to the wire with Seattle’s third and final preseason game scheduled for Saturday evening with the Cleveland Browns.

“They look good,” Macdonald said when asked about Bradford and Haynes following Monday’s practice. “They have a great battle going. I was pleased with the crew that started the game. AB has been a pro about it,” Macdonald added when asked about Bradford not starting a recent joint practice with the Titans. “I commend his attitude. He stacked a few good practices and reps throughout the [preseason] game [versus the Titans]. We’re still in it right now. The competition is yet to be settled.”

Both Bradford (RG) and Haynes (LG) started the Week 2 preseason game versus the Titans. Bradford began Monday’s practice as the starting right guard, according to Gregg Bell. In true rotational fashion, Haynes replaced him with the first-team offense when the team began 11-on-11 scrimmaging.

The Seahawks have a small handful of training camp practices remaining. Saturday’s exhibition finale versus the Browns could help Macdonald and offensive line coach Scott Huff make a determination. With roster cuts looming next Tuesday, the Seahawks remain undecided on whether Bradford or Haynes will be their starting right guard.

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Connor Williams partakes in first practice with Seahawks

Connor Williams partakes in first practice with Seahawks

When the Seattle Seahawks signed free-agent Connor Williams on August 6th, questions over when he’d be fully healthy loomed. Williams suffered a season-ending torn ACL injury in Week 14 with the Miami Dolphins last season, and had yet to practice or play since. Good news arrived on Monday evening as he participated in his first Seahawks practice since signing his contract approximately one week ago.

Williams received snaps with the first-team offense. He was eventually replaced by Olu Oluwatimi, who has worked as the starting center ever since Leroy Harris was traded to the Cleveland Browns. The Seahawks are simply easing Williams into their lineup. He did some position drills as well as he began acclimating back to the physical aspects of practice.

Williams served as the starting center at the start of Monday’s scrimmage. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald commented on Williams’ involvement following practice. Clearly a plan is in place.

“We have a plan for him to ramp him in, and it’s good to see him get a few reps today,” Macdonald said about getting Williams back at practice. “Hopefully we’ll keep that process growing as we head towards the season.”

Macdonald has consistently said that he hopes for some starters to play in Saturday’s preseason finale versus the Browns, though he’s still working through the details. That obviously won’t include Williams. Williams appears on schedule to be healthy for Seattle’s regular-season opener with the Denver Broncos though.

Williams took a big step on his path to integrating into Seattle’s offense on at Monday’s practice.

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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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Laviska Shenault contract, usage indicates his roster spot is safe with Seahawks

Laviska Shenault contract, usage indicates his roster spot is safe with Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks veteran wide receiver Laviska Shenault played 20 snaps in Saturday’s last-second preseason Week 2 defeat to the Tennessee Titans. Shenault was the fourth-most snapped wideout on the field, trailing just Jake Bobo (25), Dareke Young (22), and Cody White (22).

Shenault maximized his opportunities. He recorded three receptions on three passing-game targets for 27 yards, finishing as the offense’s third-leading receiver. The dual-threat backfield weapon also rushed once for five yards. Shenault was on the field for several kickoff returns, though he did not return any kicks after returning one for 44 yards versus the San Francisco 49ers in last weekend’s preseason win.

Receiver Dee Williams returned two kicks versus the Titans for 68 yards, including a long of 41 to open the game. Shenault threw a leveling block to help free Williams. Fellow wideout Dareke Young returned Seattle’s lone other kickoff for 27 yards. Indications are that Shenault is still the favorite to open the regular season as the starting kickoff returner.

The Seahawks essentially guaranteed Shenault’s roster spot when they signed him to a one-year contract earlier this summer. General manager John Schneider guaranteed all but $140,000 of his $1,292,500 million salary for this season, according to Over The Cap. Shenault is also their best kickoff returner as special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh attempts to take advantage of the rule changes.

It’ll be interesting to see how Shenault fits into the offense. D.K. Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Tyler Lockett, and Bobo are the clear top four receiving options for starting quarterback Geno Smith.

That likely limits Shenault to rotational snaps and manufactured touches, but the Seahawks have been confident he’d make their 53-man roster ever since they ironed out the details of his contract.

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Seahawks sign 2 TEs amidst several injuries at position

Seahawks sign TE amidst several injuries at position

The Seattle Seahawks went into Saturday’s preseason game versus the Tennessee Titans with several injuries at the tight end position. Brady Russell, A.J. Barner, and Tyler Mabry were the lone tight ends to appear in the exhibition contest.

Rookie tight end Jack Westover missed the game with a hamstring injury after participating in both joint practices with the Titans earlier this week. Noah Fant left Thursday’s practice session and did not play on Saturday. Pharaoh Brown was recently carted off the field with a scary-looking injury, though the Seahawks are still working through the severity.

With another week of training camp practices looming ahead, and a Week 3 preseason finale with the Cleveland Browns scheduled for Saturday evening, general manager John Schneider made two transactions at the position on Sunday evening. Seattle is adding tight ends Michael Ezeike and Devon Garrison to their 90 man roster, according to widespread reports.

Ezeike spent five seasons at UCLA, catching 35 passes for 407 yards and seven touchdowns. After going undrafted in 2023, Ezeike was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers, but he failed to make their final roster. He was more recently contracted to play in the USFL league.

Garrison caught 97 passes for 1,581 yards and 16 touchdowns in four seasons at Pittsburg State. He was routinely a standout performer at the D-II level, earning several All-American honors. Garrison was invited to Green Bay Packers minicamp earlier this offseason, but it’s the Seahawks who are now pouncing on his availability.

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Is Seahawks rookie Christian Haynes winning the RG job?

Is Seahawks rookie Christian Haynes winning the RG job?

Seattle Seahawks rookie offensive linemen spent all of Thursday’s joint session with the Tennessee Titans as the starting right guard. That’s extremely notable given that Haynes has been in a position battle with sophomore blocker Anthony Bradford for the job. Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed after practice that the competition remains ongoing and nothing has been decided.

Bradford is listed as the starting right guard on the unofficial depth chart. He seemingly entered training camp with the upper hand after playing 659 snaps at the position last season. Haynes’ latest involvement with the first-team offense hints that he’s beginning to close the gap, and could soon overtake Bradford altogether.

Haynes played 38 snaps at right guard in last weekend’s preseason victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. The third-round selection was stellar, earning an overall grade of 65.2 from Pro Football Focus. Haynes was credited with allowing just one pressure in pass protection, but he didn’t give up any sacks, nor was he whistled for a single penalty.

Bradford earned 24 snaps at right guard against the Chargers. He was steady, not allowing any pressures, sacks, or quarterback hits. PFF’s charting found Haynes to be slightly more effective though, with Bradford earning an overall grade of 64.4 for his brief showing.

The interior of Seattle’s offensive line is beginning to come together after general manager John Schneider signed Connor Williams to be the starting center. The right guard spot is now the lone remaining gig up for grabs. Haynes’ latest performances indicate he could replace Bradford atop the depth chart before September marks its arrival.

Backup Seahawks players to watch vs. Titans in preseason Week 2

Backup Seahawks players to watch vs. Titans in preseason Week 2

The Seattle Seahawks concluded their two-day joint practices with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday. The final of two shared sessions was particularly physical and taxing. Head coach Mike Macdonald will respond by letting the second-and-third stringers play the majority of Saturday’s preseason game.

There’s a decent chance not a single of Seattle’s 22 projected starters will take a snap versus the Titans. It will represent the best opportunity for fringe roster players to make their case ahead of 53-man roster cutdowns. We’ve identified backup talents worth monitoring against the Titans.

George Holani, RB

Undrafted running back George Holani is attempting to win the RB3 job from sophomore Kenny McIntosh. Holani rushed for 24 yards and a touchdown in Seattle’s first preseason game. He should receive an extended look versus the Titans after getting some first-team reps at joint practice.

Easop Winston Jr., WR

Eason Winston Jr. was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded Seahawks player in their Week 1 preseason game. Winston recorded two receptions for 31 receiving yards, including an explosive 21-yard gain. He’s attempting to capture a reserve roster spot at receiver behind D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Jake Bobo.

Brady Russell, TE

Sophomore tight end Brady Russell scored Seattle’s only passing touchdown last weekend, catching a 13-yard score from Sam Howell. Russell should play a lot on Saturday with starting tight end Noah Fant nursing a minor injury that’s likely to keep him sidelined for a meaningless exhibition game.

Carlton Johnson, CB

Seahawks undrafted cornerback Carlton Johnson consistently put forth strong reps during one-on-one drills with the Titans receivers. There’s a lot of competition at reserve cornerback with the Seahawks having drafted two rookies in Nehemiah Pritchett and D.J. James. Johnson needs to carry over his joint practice performances into Saturday’s game.

Tyrice Knight, LB

Fifth-round rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight put forth an eye-opening performance against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first preseason game. Knight should see another heavy workload versus the Titans with Jerome Baker and Jon Rhattigan nursing injuries. The other projected starter, Tyrel Dodson, is unlikely to play as well.

Easton Gibbs, LB

Undrafted rookie Easton Gibbs is in his second stint with the Seahawks already. He was waived earlier this summer after signing with the team as a UDFA after the 2024 NFL Draft. Macdonald needed bodies at off-ball linebacker for joint practices with Baker and Rhattigan being non-participants. Gibbs needs to take advantage of increased play-time on Saturday.

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RB3 battle to take center stage for Seahawks in Week 2 preseason game

RB3 battle to take center stage for Seahawks in Week 2 preseason game

The Seattle Seahawks concluded joint practices with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday and Thursday. Due to the physical nature of those padded sessions, head coach Mike Macdonald has confirmed that very few (or even none) starters will play in the preseason game on Saturday. Starting running back Kenneth Walker III is one of the studs expected to sit.

Backup ball carrier Zach Charbonnet missed both practices with the Titans with a minor injury and will almost certainly miss Saturday’s exhibition contest. That should place increased emphasis on the ongoing position battle between Kenny McIntosh and George Holani to be the team’s No. 3 back.

McIntosh, a sophomore seventh-round pick, entered camp as the slight favorite. Seahawks general manager John Schneider liked Holani, who he notably offered $115,000 in guaranteed salary during undrafted free agency. McIntosh and Holani have been entrenched in a battle ever since.

McIntosh rushed for a team-high 40 yards in the preseason Week 1 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. McIntosh averaged five yards per carry via eight opportunities. Holani was impressive in his own right, rushing for 24 yards and a touchdown on six carries. Holani’s score was an impressive 11 yard scamper.

Mike Macdonald and his coaching staff have consistently shuffled the order. In Wednesday’s practice, Holani consistently worked with the first-team offense alongside Walker at running back, according to Bob Condotta. That theme generally continued at Thursday’s session, with one notable change. When the offense conducted it’s final two-minute drill, McIntosh entered at running back, per Condotta.

The Seahawks are encouraged by their running back depth. Competition has helped develop both McIntosh and Holani. The battle could be settled this weekend. McIntosh and Holani are unlikely to receive better opportunities than Saturday’s preseason contest will represent to convince the coaching staff they deserve the 53-man roster spot.

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