Seahawks’ Super Bowl Champion Exits SNF vs. Commanders, Ruled Out For Game

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV left Sunday Night Football against the Washington Commanders with a knee injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the game, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and broadcast reports. Jones, Seattle’s on-field defensive signal-caller, exited late in the first half and did not return.

As Jones headed to the locker room, the Seahawks adjusted their linebacker rotations and communication chain. According to the NBC telecast and subsequent reports, Drake Thomas took over the green-dot responsibilities, with rookie Tyrice Knight also rotating in at times. Seattle maintained control of the game despite the injury. The Seahawks raced out to a 31-7 lead in the first half, and didn’t give the Washington Commanders much hopes throughout the game. 

Ernest Jones’ Impact Before the Injury

GettyErnest Jones IV, the captain of Seattle’s defense, was powering the team to a massive victory before exiting Sunday Night Football with a right knee injury.

Jones exited after a Commanders played rolled into his right knee. At the time of his exit he had six total tackles, one solo, and was spearheading a Seattle attack that had completely stymied the Commanders.  The 25-year-old has been central to Seattle’s defensive resurgence this season, operating as the unit’s traffic cop in the middle and wearing the green dot. His availability week-to-week is typically pivotal for run fits and third-down checks. 

Jones’ role in Seattle has grown steadily since arriving via trade last season, a move the team recently highlighted while underscoring his leadership and fit in Mike Macdonald’s scheme. That context underscores why the Seahawks immediately shifted communication duties to Thomas after Jones’ exit. 

Jones was a Super Bowl champion with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. In the Super Bowl, he recorded seven tackles, six solo, a sack, two tackles for a loss, a pass deflected and three quarterback hits. 

This season with Seattle, he had played in seven games, recording 59 tackles, 30 solo, a half-sack, and three interceptions with five passes deflected. 

What’s Next for Seattle

The Seahawks did not immediately announce any postgame plans beyond “ruled out,” and there was no timetable provided during the telecast for follow-up testing. In the short term, fans should expect Thomas to continue wearing the dot if Jones remains unavailable, with Knight factoring into base and sub packages depending on game script. We’ll update with any official word from Macdonald and the team as it becomes available postgame.

Seattle has navigated other in-game injuries tonight as well—most notably at cornerback earlier in the broadcast—making Jones’ absence another test of depth on a prime-time stage. Still, the Seahawks’ defense held up through the third quarter as the offense built a comfortable margin.

Why It Matters

Jones’ presence helps Seattle disguise pressures and get aligned quickly against motion-heavy offenses. If he misses time, Seattle will lean on Thomas’ communication and Knight’s range while the staff trims the call sheet or adjusts personnel groupings as needed. Field Gulls previously outlined Jones’ importance to this defense – the kind of player you feel the moment he’s off the field. 

We’ll monitor team updates after SNF and into Monday for any imaging results or practice designations ahead of Week 10. 

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