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.
Mike Macdonald said OLB Uchenna Nwosu, who missed the first three games with an MCL sprain, will return to practice this week.
"We’re going to put him out there at some point this week and see how it goes. He should get some team activities here in the next couple days."
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) September 23, 2024
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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