Mike Macdonald Sounds Alarm on Second Surgery Bombshell for 40-Sack Seahawks DT

Mike Macdonald delivered a significant postgame update on Jarran Reed’s status, saying the Seattle defensive tackle suffered a setback in his recovery from a wrist injury and will undergo a second operation. Macdonald, who repeatedly praised Reed’s toughness, added the team remains “hopeful” the veteran can return this season, he told reporters during a post-game press conference after the Seattle Seahawks improved to 7-2  with a 44-22 win over the Arizona Cardinals. 

Reed originally hurt his wrist going into the Week 7 game against Houston and had an operation during the bye, according to Macdonald. Despite the injury, Reed returned to the field and played in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. 

“This tells you how tough he is,” Macdonald said. “He’s an all-time tough, physical, mentally strong guy — all of the above.” 

After Reed came back and played, Macdonald said the team believed the wrist was ready, but “we had a setback.”

Macdonald indicated the latest development means another procedure is necessary. 

“Turns out he has to have another operation,” the coach said. “It’s a setback. Your heart goes out for him. Hopefully this will really stabilize it. First you’re concerned about him.” 

Asked if Reed could be back this year, Macdonald responded: “That’s the thought.”

Injury Timeline & What Macdonald Said

GettyJarran Reed will be out at least three more games as he undergoes another surgury on his injured wrist.

Macdonald outlined a clear sequence: Reed injured the wrist before the Houston matchup, underwent surgery during the team’s bye, returned to action, then aggravated the injury. The staff initially believed the wrist was “all right,” Macdonald said, but something occurred in-game that forced the club to re-evaluate. “It happened in the game, so we have to look at it again,” he said, describing the new operation as the next step intended to stabilize the area.

The team surprisingly put him on IR on November 8, less than 24 hours before the team took on the Arizona Cardinals, signaling the sudden change in status for injured lineman. 

The coach’s public emphasis was on Reed’s resilience as much as the medical news. Calling the defensive lineman “all-time tough,” Macdonald noted Reed played through significant pain and remained engaged despite multiple hurdles. The combination of early surgery, a return to the lineup and a subsequent setback underscores both the player’s determination and the unpredictable nature of hand and wrist injuries for trench defenders.

What It Means for Seattle’s Defense

Reed anchors the interior as a run defender and pocket-push presence, and his absence alters how Seattle can build its fronts on early downs and in two-minute. While the team has rotated bodies inside throughout the season, Reed’s combination of experience and strength helps set edges for linebackers and create one-on-ones for edge rushers. Without him, expect more snaps for the next men up on the interior and potential tweaks in sub-package personnel to manufacture interior pressure.

Macdonald stopped short of providing a firm timetable. The phrasing — “hopefully,” “stabilize,” and “that’s the thought” — signals the club’s optimism is tempered by the need to see how Reed responds post-operation. The medical staff will reassess after surgery and determine the next steps. Until then, at the very least, he’s out three more weeks due to the rule around being placed on the IR. We’ll know more after Reed has the aforementioned procedure. 

What’s Next for Reed

The immediate next step is surgery and stabilization, followed by evaluation. Macdonald emphasized player health first. Any return would depend on healing benchmarks, functional strength, pain tolerance and the ability to protect the wrist in game conditions. For a hand-heavy position like defensive tackle, those thresholds matter as much as imaging.

Even without Reed, the defense is humming – notably forcing two sack-fumble, scoop-and-scores against the Cardinals. While the Seahawks would prefer to have Reed out there, the defense is still delivering results. 

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