The Seattle Seahawks are getting healthier.
Outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu passed his physical Sunday, clearing the way for his return to the field as he recovers from offseason knee surgery.
The 28-year-old Nwosu has been on the NFLâs physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
When Will Uchenna Nwosu Play Next?
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald acknowledged itâs too early to say when Nwosu will return to game action.
Nwosu had knee surgery early in the offseason, and the team has been mum about his status. General manager and president of football operations John Schneider described the procedure, via the teamâs website, as a âlittle cleanup of some sort. ⦠It was nothing major, but he had to get some stuff cleaned up.â
The Seahawks kick off the season Sept. 7 against the San Francisco 49ers at home.
âItâs exciting because to my knowledge, weâre ahead of schedule, which is really cool,â Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said, via ESPN. âI know Chennaâs been working his tail off, which is par for the course for him, and the training staff just had a great plan.
âThe guyâs done a great job, so heâs going to be back with us. We have a plan to kind of ramp him up here ⦠going into the first game, and heâll give us an option to possibly get out there early in the season.â
What are the Seahawks Saying About Uchenna Nwosu?
Nwosu signed with the Seahawks as a free agent in 2022. He has struggled with injuries after a strong first season, in which he had 66 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
Nwosu has combined to play just 12 games over the last two seasons because of pectoral, knee and thigh injuries.
In March, the Seahawks reworked Nwosuâs contract for two years and $19.51 million, per ESPN. Nwosu is scheduled to make $8 million this season, plus incentives. He had two years and $26.5 million remaining on his previous deal.
Schneider has spoken highly of Nwosu throughout the offseason, even with injuries impacting his availability.
âThat guyâs a dog,â Schneider told ESPN. âHeâs nasty. Heâs a leader. Heâs all about the work. Heâs awesome. Heâs great for the defense.â
How Does Uchenna Nwosuâs Injury Impact the Seahawks?
With Nwosuâs status uncertain, the Seahawks looked into adding a veteran edge rusher this offseason. The Seahawks briefly considered Von Miller before the eight-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl MVP signed with the Washington Commanders in July.
Earlier in the offseason, the Seahawks added four-time Pro Bowler DeMarcus Lawrence on a three-year, $42 million deal, including $18 million guaranteed.
The 6-foot-2, 265-pound Nwosu will certainly factor into the Seahawksâ defense, but theyâve bought themselves some insurance in case heâs out longer than expected.
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