The Seattle Seahawks haven’t had their complete secondary on the field since Week 4 of the NFL season, a little over one month ago, and now they’ll have to wait even longer. The team announced today that safety Julian Love is going to the IR and will miss at least the next four games.
“Seattle (5-2) was expecting Love to return this week, but coach Mike Macdonald said he suffered a setback last week in his recovery from the hamstring injury that has already sidelined him for four of Seattle’s seven games,” Brady Henderson writes for ESPN. “Ty Okada is expected to continue to start in Love’s place.”
The Loss of Love
The Seahawks’ defense has played exceptionally well in Love’s absence. They are allowing 19.4 points per game, which is seventh-best in the league. Seattle has proven it can win this season even when missing multiple star defensive players, including cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who’s returning to action this week after missing five games with a knee injury.
“The Seahawks haven’t had Love, two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon and talented rookie safety Nick Emmanwori on the field together since the opening defensive series of Week 1,” per mynorthwest.com.
As a result, the defense’s weak spot has been the secondary. The Hawks are surrendering 230.1 yards per game through the air, which ranks 22nd overall, while their league-best run defense is giving up just 75.7 yards per game.
The team will have to continue overcoming Love’s absence until he returns from the IR, which at the earliest is Week 13 against the Minnesota Vikings. The 27-year-old safety made the Pro Bowl in 2023 and has been a steady force on Seattle’s defense throughout his three seasons with the team. Love has 18 tackles, one sack, and two pass breakups in the three games this season.
Trade Deadline Decisions
It’s unlikely Seattle trades for a fill-in safety before the Nov. 4 trade deadline. Most trade rumors link the Seahawks to offensive linemen, particularly on the interior.
It’s possible that Love’s injury affects whether or not Seattle trades Riq Woolen, though. Woolen has been the target of trade speculation for months, partially due to his up-and-down play and because he’s entering the final year of his rookie deal. Even though Love has missed most of the season and Woolen has nonetheless been involved in trade rumors, GM John Schneider may decide to keep the secondary as intact as possible following Love’s injury.
Seattle’s Other Roster Moves
The Seahawks also announced today that tight end Eric Saubert would go on the IR with a calf injury. Saubert has played in five games this season, primarily in a run-blocking role. He has one reception for 12 yards on the year.
Brady Henderson detailed several other roster moves Seattle made today: “The Seahawks on Saturday also activated rookie fullback Robbie Ouzts off IR and signed safety Jerrick Reed II off their practice squad. They elevated receivers Ricky White III and Cody White off their practice squad for the Commanders game, reinforcing their receiver corps amid injuries to Cooper Kupp (questionable/heel, hamstring), Dareke Young (out/hip) and Jake Bobo (out/Achilles).
“The Seahawks will get cornerback Devon Witherspoon back Sunday night after he missed five games with a knee injury. Seattle’s secondary has been at full strength for all of five plays this season, as rookie safety Nick Emmanwori also went down on the first drive of the opener with a sprained ankle, sidelining him for the next three games.”
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