Although the Seattle Seahawks are dealing with several injuries ahead of their crucial Week 9 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, they created flexibility following a Friday roster adjustment.
Roster Move and Recent Performance
The organization reported that they released running back Velus Jones Jr. and immediately signed him back to the practice squad, which had an available opening. Because he is a vested veteran, waivers did not apply to him.
Following his return to the practice squad, the Seahawks currently hold one open position on their active 53-man roster.
Across three appearances, Jones Jr. recorded 28 yards on nine rushing attempts. He sustained a hamstring injury during the Week 7 win against the Kansas City Chiefs and sat out Monday’s matchup versus the Chicago Bears.
Despite participating in practice on a limited basis Wednesday and Thursday, the presence of running backs Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet, alongside Emanuel Wilson and George Holani, meant he likely would have missed out on playing time even if he fully recovered.
Injury List and Replacement Options
With defensive tackle Leonard Williams (stinger), guard Quenton Nelson (knee), wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (knee), linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (ankle), quarterback Sam Darnold (quadriceps, ribs), Brandon Pili (back), and tackle Charles Cross (ankle) already sidelined, the Seahawks are expected to fill the empty roster spot by addressing one of those positions from a variety of available choices.
While wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. moved up for the Bears game, Seattle added quarterback Adrian Martinez and linebacker Jamie Sheriff to the practice squad Wednesday, suggesting either player could secure the final active spot.
In addition to Nwosu’s absence, linebacker Connor O’Toole (foot) carries a questionable designation, and if he cannot play, Sheriff becomes a logical choice due to his familiarity with the club. Conversely, with the Seahawks presently carrying only two quarterbacks, Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe, for Sunday’s game, adding a third passer would not be unexpected given Milroe’s lack of experience.
The Seahawks plan to reveal their game-day elevations on Saturday afternoon.
