Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald gave a notable update on safety Julian Love ahead of Thursday night’s rematch with the Los Angeles Rams.
Macdonald said Seattle is fortunate to have Ty Okada able to play solid football while Love works his way back, adding the team feels like it’s getting close to having Love back to “100%.” Love did play against the Colts, defending two passes and recording a tackle, but was limited in his snap count.
That’s an important line from Macdonald because Love’s availability has been one of Seattle’s biggest defensive storylines this season.
Love Has Been Working Back From a Hamstring Injury
Love has been dealing with a hamstring injury that sidelined him for stretches this year, including time on injured reserve.
Earlier this month, the Seahawks activated Love from injured reserve, clearing the way for him to play as he continues ramping up.
Macdonald’s latest “getting close” comment suggests the Seahawks view Love as trending the right way, whether that means he’s ready for a bigger workload, moving past limitations, or simply returning to the level Seattle expects from him.
What It Means for Seattle’s Defense vs Rams
Love’s status matters more this week because of what happened the first time Seattle played the Rams.
The Rams won 21-19 on November 16 and turned the game on four Darnold interceptions.
For the Seahawks defense, Thursday is about eliminating explosive plays, getting off the field, and keeping the game from turning into a short-field battle.
That’s where a player like Love can change the math.
Even if Love isn’t asked to be everywhere, veteran safeties often impact the hidden parts of a game: communication checks, getting lined up faster, smoothing out coverage rotations, and cleaning up mistakes when offenses try to steal easy yards.
Macdonald’s mention of Okada also matters. It’s an acknowledgement that Seattle has been able to survive stretches without Love, but it also hints the Seahawks would prefer not to live that way if Love is ready to be himself again.
The Short-Week Factor
Thursday games are always weird, and Macdonald was asked about how challenging short weeks can be when you’re trying to prep for Sean McVay.
That’s another reason Love’s “100%” comment stands out: on a short week, teams typically lean on players they trust to communicate and execute without a ton of extra meeting-room time.
If Love is genuinely close to full strength, that’s the type of “quiet boost” that can show up in fewer busted coverages or cleaner red-zone stands.
Stats, Stakes & Context
The Rams and Seahawks enter the game with matching 11-3 records, and kickoff is Thursday at Lumen Field.
Seattle just beat the Colts 18-16 in Week 15, and now gets a chance to answer the earlier 21-19 loss to the Rams with a division-shaping rematch.
If Love is truly nearing 100%, it’s the kind of update Seattle has been waiting on, because the Seahawks don’t just need him to play. They need him to look like Julian Love again.
On the season, has played in five games and recorded 20 total tackles, with five passes deflected. He made the Pro Bowl in 2023 when he appeared in 17 games, recording 123 total tackles, four interceptions, 10 passes defended and two forced fumbles with a fumble recovered.
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