Seahawks Get Bad News on Key Defender Ahead of Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks could be without one of their key defensive playmakers when they visit the Washington Commanders on November 2.

Head coach Mike Macdonald told reporters Wednesday that safety Julian Love suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury. Love, who had been trending toward returning after missing four straight games, will not practice today, and his availability for Week 9 is now “in jeopardy,” according to Brady Henderson of ESPN.

Love originally sustained the injury early in the season and was expected to rejoin practice this week following the team’s bye. Instead, Macdonald acknowledged that the setback has altered that plan — and that an injured reserve stint is possible if the issue lingers.

Love has only appeared in three games this season and recorded 18 total tackles, two pass breakups and one sack. 

Seahawks Face More Lineup Decisions

Macdonald also provided several other updates on Seattle’s injury picture heading into the team’s prime-time matchup at Washington.

Cornerback Devon Witherspoon (knee) and outside linebacker Derick Hall (oblique) are both set to practice thai week, marking encouraging steps toward their expected returns. Both had been “on track” to play this week, Macdonald said last week, and remain trending positively.

Meanwhile, wide receiver Dareke Young (hip) will not practice and could also be a candidate for IR, Macdonald confirmed. Young has appeared in just two games this season and has primarily contributed on special teams.

The potential loss of both Love and Young would further test Seattle’s depth at key roles – particularly in special teams and the secondary. Young’s absence also helps explain the team’s recent addition of return specialist Velus Jones Jr., who was signed to the practice squad earlier this week. Jones, a former third-round pick out of Tennessee, has returned 48 kickoffs for 1,244 yards in his NFL career and could see game-day elevation opportunities soon.

Fullback Robbie Ouzts Nearing Debut

In more positive news, rookie fullback Robbie Ouzts, who was designated to return from injured reserve last week, is in line to make his first NFL appearance. Macdonald said Ouzts “has a chance to play Sunday,” which would provide Seattle’s offense with a physical boost in its backfield packages.

Ouzts’ return, coupled with improving health across the offensive line, could give Seattle a more complete run-blocking unit – particularly if right guard Christian Haynes retakes the field.

What’s Next

Seattle (5-2) enters Week 9 tied with the Los Angeles Rams atop the NFC West and will face a Washington team desperate to reverse a three-game losing streak.

If Love is unavailable, expect Nick Emmanwori and Ty Okada to continue shouldering heavier defensive snaps in the secondary. Emmanwori, a standout rookie safety, was named to The Ringer’s midseason All-Rookie team earlier this week and has drawn comparisons to Baltimore’s Kyle Hamilton for his versatility.

The Seahawks’ official injury report later this week should clarify Love’s status  and whether a short-term IR placement is needed. For now, the secondary’s health remains one of the biggest storylines as Seattle prepares for another critical NFC matchup.

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