The Seattle Seahawks are getting a boost in the trenches.
On Wednesday, the team designated second-year offensive lineman Christian Haynes for return to practice, opening his 21-day window to be activated from injured reserve. Haynes had spent the first eight weeks of the 2025 season on IR after suffering a pectoral injury during training camp.
Haynes, a 2024 third-round pick (No. 81 overall) out of Connecticut, entered camp as a strong contender for the starting right guard position. Seattle coaches also gave him looks at center throughout preseason, a move that reflected both his versatility and the organizationâs focus on building long-term depth along the interior offensive line.
Reinforcements in the Trenches
The Seahawksâ offensive line has battled injuries and inconsistency through the first half of the season, making Haynesâ potential return especially timely. The young lineman was known in college for his power and durability â he started 49 consecutive games for UConn and earned first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors in back-to-back seasons before declaring for the draft.
Before his injury, Haynes was expected to push veteran Anthony Bradford for starting reps. His return could strengthen Seattleâs rotation and help stabilize a front that has endured multiple lineup combinations this fall.
Much has been made about Bradfordâs performance recently, with many media members going as far as to suggest trading him and reinforcing the line through other means. Haynesâ activation will be a welcome addition â if for no other reason than to quell fanâs frustrations with subpar play from Bradford.Â
Seattle has yet to announce whether Haynes will be active for Week 9, but Wednesdayâs designation allows him to begin practicing immediately as the team evaluates his readiness.
Practice Squad Moves: Velus Jones In, Myles Gaskin Out
The Seahawks also made a special teams-related adjustment on Wednesday, signing wide receiver and return specialist Velus Jones Jr. to the practice squad and releasing running back Myles Gaskin to make room, as previously detailed on Heavy.Â
Jones, a third-round pick out of Tennessee in 2022, was the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year in his final collegiate season. In the NFL, he has logged 34 career games with the Bears, Panthers, and Saints, totaling 12 catches for 135 yards and a touchdown, plus 20 rushing attempts for 165 yards and another score.
His biggest impact, however, has come as a returner â Jones has 48 career kickoff returns for 1,244 yards, including eight returns for 183 yards this season with New Orleans. His experience and speed could provide immediate competition or insurance behind George Holani (14 kickoffs for 358 yards), Tory Horton (16 punts for 238 yards) and Cody White (two kickoffs for 59 yards).
Gaskin, meanwhile, departs the organization after a brief stint with the practice squad. The former University of Washington standout and four-year Miami Dolphin joined Seattle earlier this month but did not appear in a game.
Looking Ahead
For the Seahawks, Haynesâ return could mark a critical turning point for an offensive line thatâs had bright spots overall as a unit, but could use some strengthening in a few areas. If the second-year player regains full strength and form, he could quickly re-enter the mix for starting reps â potentially giving Seattleâs offense a midseason boost as it looks to solidify protection and reignite its ground game heading into November.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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