Friday brought some bleak injury news for the Seattle Seahawks ahead of their Week 6 matchup against the Jaguars. Before he fielded questions at his press conference after Friday’s practice, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald announced that five players are unlikely to play on Sunday against the Jaguars, including three starting defensive backs.
“All right, I’ll read our injury report for everybody,” Macdonald began his press conference by saying. “[S] Julian Love, [CB Devon Witherspoon], [CB Riq] Woolen are all doubtful. [ED] Derick Hall, [OT] Josh Jones are out.”
That’s a huge blow for the Seahawks. Love, Witherspoon, and Woolen are all starters on the back end for Seattle. Witherspoon, the No. 5 overall pick in 2023, is one of the best cornerbacks in the league. He can play inside or outside, blanketing receivers one-on-one, and he’s one of the most disruptive run defenders at cornerback in the league. On the season, he has 17 tackles, a sack, and a pass defensed in just two games.
Despite lingering trade rumors, Woolen has produced through and up-and-down 2025 campaign. The former Pro Bowler has 17 tackles and a pass defensed. Meanwhile, Love has been one of the most consistent free safeties in the league since coming over from the Giants in 2023. He has 18 tackles, a sack, two passes defensed, and a blocked kick in three games.
Hall is a key rotational edge rusher for Seattle, and he has 10 tackles on the year. Jones is the Seahawks’ swing tackle and primary backup at offensive tackle.
Seattle Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald Provides Further Injury Updates
Amanda Loman/GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 07: Devon Witherspoon #21 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Lumen Field on September 07, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images)
“[S] Nick [Emmanwori] will play in the game. I’m not sure what his designation is, but he’ll play,” Macdonald confirmed. “I think it’s fair to say that everyone’s still dealing with…everything they’ve had. It’s just something he’s got to learn to play with until it’s 100 percent. But I’d say nobody’s 100 percent right now.”
The rookie second-round pick out of South Carolina was a big-time performer at the NFL Combine, showcasing his rare blend of size and speed. He’s been dealing with a high-ankle sprain that has limited him to just two games, but in those games he has six tackles, including two run stops.
Macdonald also confirmed another key defender will suit up. “[LB] Ernest [Jones] will play as well, yep.” Jones was brought over from the Rams last season and he’s been a revelation for the Seahawks. On the season, he has 40 tackles, two interceptions, three passes defensed, and a sack.
The Seattle Seahawks are in the Thick of the NFC West Race
The Seahawks are currently tied with the Rams for second in the division at 3-2. The 49ers are leading it at 4-1, overcoming an injury-riddled start to the year. Even the Cardinals are firmly in the mix at 2-3, just two games out from the lead, losing their last three games by a combined five points.
Though their schedule isn’t easy, Seattle is firmly in the mix. Outside of the Cardinals, they face only three teams the rest of the way that currently have two or fewer wins: the Texans, Titans, and Panthers. Of those, the Texans seem to be finding their groove as a team that was picked to win the AFC South in the preseason.
The road might be tough, but these Seahawks are equipped to navigate it.
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