Tag: Will Dissly

Seahawks thin at tight end and could look for reinforcement in 2020

The Seattle Seahawks are relatively thin at the tight end position and could look to reinforce the unit through free agency and the draft.

The tight end position may be a crucial need for the Seattle Seahawks this offseason with concerns about Will Dissly’s durability and the depth of the roster.

Dissly has been productive when he has been healthy and could still serve as a key target for Russell Wilson in the future, but he has suffered two season-ending injuries in as many years in the NFL. Seattle has few viable options outside of him.

Jacob Hollister became a key contributor on offense after the Seahawks acquired him in a trade with the Patriots, but has also had his share of rough moments and is a restricted free agent as well. Ed Dickson has spent most of his time in the Emerald City on injured reserve. This looks like a tight end unit in need of reinforcement.

There will likely be players available in free agency – such as Austin Hooper and Eric Ebron – for the team to consider as well as this year’s draft prospects. The Seahawks should be looking into all possible options moving forward.

The Seahawks’ most glaring positional needs may be along both the offensive and defensive lines, but tight end is a position of need that should not be overlooked in free agency and the 2020 NFL Draft.

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PFF lists Will Dissly as 2020 breakout candidate at tight end

Pro Football Focus listed Seattle Seahawks tight end Will Dissly as a 2020 breakout candidate, a solid pick if he can remain healthy.

Pro Football Focus listed one potential breakout player at each position heading into the 2020 season, and Will Dissly of the Seattle Seahawks was their pick at the tight end spot.

It’s somewhat hard to call Dissly a “breakout” candidate, as he’s already posted extremely solid numbers through his first 10 NFL games: 31 receptions (on 41 targets) for 418 yards and four touchdowns.

Averaged over a 16 game season, Dissly’s 65 catches for 689 yards and six touchdowns would place him among the league’s highest performing tight ends – so the skill is already there.

Dissly just needs to stay healthy for a full season, something he has yet to do after suffering a patellar tendon injury four games into his rookie year and a torn achilles six games into his second season.

Dissly is recovering well at this point, according to coach Pete Carroll, but with two major injuries under his belt it’s fair to have concerns that he will ever put together a full 16-game slate.

If he does, his numbers should comfortably reside among the five or so best tight ends in the league.

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Seahawks tight end Will Dissly is ‘killing it’ with his rehab

Seattle Seahawks tight end Will Dissly is killing it in his rehab, according to coach Pete Carroll, and could return sooner than expected.

The Seattle Seahawks lost tight end Will Dissly to a season-ending injury for the second year in a row in 2019, when the former University of Washington product suffered a torn achilles in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns.

Dissly recovered quicker than expected from the torn patellar tendon in his knee in 2018, and early reports from coach Pete Carroll indicate all is well on the rehab front for Dissly once again.

“He’s killing it,” Carroll said on Monday. “He’s killing the rehab. Will is doing great. He’s spending some time down in LA to get right, and he’s really fired up about the people that he’s working with and the progress he’s making. He’s been around a lot. He’ll get it done. Will will get it done. There’s no question he will. But, it’s a long process, it’s going to be some tough work for him.”

Achilles injuries usually take about a full year to recover from, but Carroll reported shortly after his surgery that it was a minimally invasive procedure, and that he could return sooner than anticipated.

What exactly that means remains unclear, but considering a full recovery probably wouldn’t have him back until midseason, it seems unlikely that Dissly will be healthy before the preseason – and may not make it back in time for the start of the regular season.

Tight end will be a position of need for the Seahawks this offseason, with Luke Willson set to hit free agency and Dissly’s injury concern.

However, Dissly did make it back to full health last year, and Carroll is extremely confident he can do it again.

The blocking tight end proved to be far more than that in the 10 games he’s played over the past two seasons, hauling in 31 receptions for 418 yards and six touchdowns.

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Luke Willson’s return gives Seahawks valuable experience

The Seattle Seahawks are thrilled that Luke Willson (hip) will be able to play on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

It may not seem like a tight end who averages one catch and about 10 yards a game returning from injury would be a big deal, but for the Seattle Seahawks getting Luke Willson back in time for Sunday’s wild card game against the Philadelphia Eagles is crucial.

“It really helps us,” coach Pete Carroll said on Friday. “It really helps us getting him back. His experience. He does a number of things and he does them well. At the line of scrimmage, on the move, routes, and all kinds of things. We have such a background with him. It’s really valuable.”

Willson was signed midway through the 2019 season to replace Nick Vannett, who was shipped to the Steelers in exchange for a fifth round pick.

Willson ended up taking on a bigger role following the season-ending injury to Will Dissly, alongside Jacob Hollister.

Willson’s familiarity with the offense, versatility as a blocker and pass-catcher, and playoff experience make him a valuable piece of this Seattle team, and one they expect to have back in the mix on Sunday.

Willson missed five of Seattle’s last six regular season games with a hip injury, but he was left off the injury report and was a full participant in Friday’s practice, so all signs point to him suiting up against Philadelphia.

While he may not have a huge impact on the box score, his veteran presence and versatility along the line will be extremely valuable to this Seattle offense, especially with extra blocking tight end George Fant starting at left tackle in place of Duane Brown.

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Seahawks and Eagles have gone through similar seasons in 2019

The Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles have gone through terribly trying seasons in 2019 featuring many injuries and lucky breaks.

The Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles square off on Sunday, Jan. 5 at Lincoln Financial Field for their matchup in the wild-card round of the 2019-2020 NFL playoffs. The two teams are quite similar in many aspects and they have both found themselves in the postseason under compelling circumstances this year.

Both teams have dealt with their fair share of hardships, namely in the form of injuries to key players. Philadelphia has lost several wide receivers to various injuries along with Malik Jackson and Brandon Brooks, among others. In addition, offensive tackle Lane Johnson and tight end Zach Ertz are both questionable for Sunday. Seattle has lost tight end Will Dissly, running backs Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny, and CJ Prosise, and linebacker Mychal Kendricks to season-ending injuries. Offensive tackle Duane Brown and wide receiver Malik Turner have also been ruled out for Sunday’s game, and guard Mike Iupati and wide receiver Jaron Brown are questionable.

Both teams have also been the beneficiary of certain factors that have added to their win totals. The Seahawks have won many close games this year with 10 of their 11 victories being by eight points, with some coming against vastly inferior competition. The Eagles emerged from the worst division in football in the NFC East and had a particularly easy schedule to close the season. The Seahawks and Eagles have both fought hard to get to the playoffs, but they have caught quite a few breaks along the way. However, they have continuously found ways to win games when they need to, regardless of circumstance.

The Seahawks and Eagles have gone through the season with determination and many losses with mostly positive results, but there can only be one victor on Sunday.

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Former Longhorn Tyrone Swoopes promoted to active NFL roster from practice squad

Former Longhorn Tyrone Swoopes promoted to active NFL roster from practice squad

Former Longhorns’ quarterback Tyrone Swoopes has made an NFL roster – but not as a quarterback. Swoopes transitioned to tight end in his first year in the NFL, and was promoted to the Seattle Seahawks’ roster to replace the injured Ed Dickson.

Aug 18, 2018; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Derwin James (33) defends Seattle Seahawks tight end Tyrone Swoopes (46) during the second half at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Swoopes started only one of his four years at Texas, his sophomore season in 2014. That year, he threw for 2409 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions on 58.3% passing. Swoopes was a threat on the ground as well, with 966 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns over the course of his career.

The Seahawks promoted Swoopes due to need at the tight end position, where they have been injury struck all year. Ed Dickson is the latest tight end to go on IR, after Will Dissly’s season-ending injury and Luke Willson’s lingering hamstring injury.

Jacob Hollister continues to be a great pickup for Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is thrilled with the performance of young tight end Jacob Hollister so far this season.

The Seattle Seahawks have had a healthy 2019 season across the board, with one glaring exception: the tight end position.

Season ending injuries to both Will Dissly and Ed Dickson, the latter just days after he was designated to return from the injured reserve, as well as veteran Luke Willson’s recent hamstring injury have left the Seahawks with few options.

Jacob Hollister, who began the year on the practice squad, has been forced to step into the leading role at that spot over the last month or so.

Hollister has not only filled in the usual run-blocking duties of a Seattle tight end, he has also established himself as a reliable pass-catcher and playmaker for Russell Wilson and the rest of this Seattle offense.

“Jake’s been a stud,” coach Pete Carroll commented on Monday. “He’s taken a lot of hits, he’s delivered a lot of them, man he’s playing good ball. He’s just doing such a good job. I’m so fired up for Jake. Talk about a great pickup. There’s a great pickup for us you know. He’s coming through for us in a big way. Still contributing in a big way on special teams too. I’m really excited about that.”

Hollister had two catches for 22 yards on Sunday against the Eagles, but if it weren’t for a shockingly misplaced throw from Wilson, a wide open Hollister would have easily hauled in his fourth touchdown in the last three games.

The Seahawks are hoping to get Willson back shortly, but fans can bet that Hollister will remain a crucial part of this team’s offense over the last five games of the regular season.

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Seahawks activate tight end Ed Dickson, waive cornerback Jamar Taylor

The Seattle Seahawks activated tight end Ed Dickson off the injured reserve, waiving veteran cornerback Jamar Taylor to make room.

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The Seattle Seahawks made a long-awaited move on Wednesday, activating veteran tight end Ed Dickson off the injured reserve, a mere hours before the deadline that would have prevented him from playing all season.

In order to make room on the roster, the team waived nickel cornerback Jamar Taylor.

After clearing the 53-man roster, Dickson began the season on the injured reserve with a knee injury for the second year in a row. He returned last year and hauled in 12 receptions (on 13 targets) for 143 yards and three touchdowns – serving primarily as a run-blocker.

The Seahawks will certainly hope for more of the same from the veteran, who will be counted on in a big role following the season-ending injury to Will Dissly and the current hamstring injury that Luke Willson is battling.

Taylor struggled in Seattle’s last game against San Francisco out of the nickel position, and the recent performance of rookie Ugo Amadi may have prompted his release.

“He’s one of those guys that have been with us long enough, it’s time for him to get some more opportunities,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said regarding Amadi on Monday. “Still a great competitor for us on a number of positions for us for playtime. Coming off the break we have a chance to revisit some of that stuff so, if it fits with different positions, and guys, and individuals, we’re looking to take advantage of that.”

Taylor signed with Seattle this offseason, got cut, and signed back with the team after Week 1. He’s played in nine games this year, recording 20 combined tackles and three passes defended, but has struggled in pass coverage.

The Seahawks also added linebacker Pita Taumoepenu to the practice squad, taking the spot vacated by Adrian Colbert’s departure to Miami.

Taumoepenu was a sixth-round pick by the 49ers back in 2017. He spent training camp with the Cardinals but was waived/injured during roster cuts and eventually waived off the injured reserve in September.

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Ed Dickson likely to return in light of Luke Willson’s absence

A hamstring injury is likely to keep tight end Luke Willson out for the Seattle Seahawks in Week 12 – but veteran Ed Dickson could return.

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The Seattle Seahawks are unlikely to be with veteran tight end Luke Willson on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles after he suffered a legit hamstring injury last week against the San Francisco 49ers.

“Luke’s working at it,” coach Pete Carroll reported on Monday. “It’s going to take Luke a bit. I don’t think he’ll have a chance to make it back this week. So, we’ll see what happens there.”

Losing Willson is another big blow to Seattle’s tight end group, which is already without Will Dissly who suffered a season-ending achilles injury in Week 5.

The Seahawks have also been without Ed Dickson all year, as the veteran spent the second consecutive season on the injured reserve to begin the campaign.

However, Dickson is eligible to return to the active roster, and in Willson’s absence it seems almost certain that he will take his spot next week.

“There’s a really good chance,” Carroll said of Dickson’s return. “We’ve been waiting for the opportunity to get Ed to go. We’re thinking that’s where we would go with this. Wednesday we have to declare, so we’ll take care of business by then. There’s a really good chance that’s gonna happen.”

Dickson needs to be activated by Wednesday or else he will have to miss the entire 2019 season. It sounds like his health is no longer an issue, so this should clear space for him to contribute at tight end alongside Jacob Hollister for Seattle.

Finding a spot on the active roster might be more difficult. The team could opt to place Luke Willson on the injured reserve, or they could cut receiver John Ursua who has only been active one game this season.

Regardless, don’t be surprised to see Dickson make his season debut on Sunday when the Seahawks take on the Eagles in Philadelphia.

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Jacob Hollister gives Seahawks the complete package at tight end

The Seattle Seahawks may be down to their last tight end, but Jacob Hollister has exceeded expectations over the past few games.

The Seattle Seahawks have suffered multiple injuries at the tight end position this season.

For the second year in a row, the team did not begin the season with veteran Ed Dickson, who started the last two seasons on the injured reserve and remains there still – although he’s expected to be back in Week 12.

Then, also for the second year in a row, the Seahawks lost Will Dissly to a season-ending injury, this time to his achilles heel.

As if that wasn’t enough, a hamstring injury is currently ailing Luke Willson as well, leaving the team with just one true healthy tight end on the roster – former practice squad player Jacob Hollister.

However, Hollister has more than risen to the occasion, hauling in his first three career touchdowns in the last two games, including a game-winner in overtime against Atlanta.

Hollister has immediately proven to be a capable red zone target for Russell Wilson, and coach Pete Carroll believes his previous football experience helped develop the chemistry between the two.

“Jacob is just a good ball player,” Carroll commented. “He’s a really good football player. I think he’s a really good all-around athlete and I love that he was a quarterback growing up and played other sports. He’s just a really good ball player. He’s tough as hell. He’s delivering blows and taking hits. Competing like crazy. It shows up.”

Hollister came to the Seahawks from the Patriots for a seventh round pick over the offseason. He immediately made a great impression on the team during training camp and in the preseason. Although he did not make the active roster, he was quickly added to the team’s practice squad and was activated in Week 6.

Hollister’s first few games saw him contribute primarily on special teams, but his performance on those units helped boost Carroll’s confidence in his young tight end.

“When a guy is really good on special teams and he gives great effort in blocking and he catches the football, that’s a complete package guy,” Carroll continued. “I think Jacob is going to be a tremendous asset for us going down there. I don’t think this is any fluke or anything. He’s just a good football player. He’s learned well.”

Hollister has showed up in a big way in the passing game these past few games, but a big part of Seattle’s offense involves blocking up front from the tight end, which is what makes players like Dickson, Willson, Dissly and tackle-turned-tight end George Fant appealing.

While Hollister’s size limits him as a run blocker, Carroll still appreciates the effort.

“He gives us great effort; he gives us everything he’s got,” Carroll continued. “He’s not a big guy so, he has to really work hard. Technique-wise his footwork is really good, his hand placement is good, and he fights you. We’re getting everything we can from him and that’s all we can ask.”

Hollister and the Seahawks will enjoy Sunday’s slate of games from home before they get set to take on the Eagles in Philadelphia in Week 12.

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