Seattle Seahawks Injury Updates, Coach Macdonald’s Impact, and Offensive Concerns

With the bye week coming up for the Seattle Seahawks, head coach Mike Macdonald gave a few injury updates for players, including a few names we have not seen or heard from in a while

The Seattle Seahawks are heading into their bye week with several key injury updates provided by head coach Mike Macdonald. Some vital starters are expected to return, but there remain uncertainties and setbacks with other players. Meanwhile, the team's offensive coordinator's creative play-calling has raised questions after some costly mistakes. Additionally, Macdonald’s success with the Seahawks is casting a shadow over his former team, the Baltimore Ravens, who may regret letting him go.

• Starting defenders Derick Hall, Devon Witherspoon, and Julian Love are expected to return after the bye week.
• Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins will not return this season following placement on the non-football injury list.
• Guard Christian Haynes might return after the bye, although the coach was cautious in his optimism.
• Rookie defensive tackle Rylie Mills is projected to come back in 4-6 weeks, between Weeks 12 and 14.
• Fullback Robbie Ouzts is expected to return to practice post-bye, potentially restoring strength to the run game.
• Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak faced criticism for questionable gimmicky play calls that led to turnovers.
• Head coach Mike Macdonald praised quarterback Sam Darnold’s toughness despite his turnovers.
• Macdonald’s departure from the Baltimore Ravens is increasingly viewed as a mistake by Ravens fans given his impact in Seattle.

Injury updates and player returns

Coach Mike Macdonald provided optimism regarding key starters returning from injury following the bye week. Defenders Derick Hall, Devon Witherspoon, and Julian Love are all expected back, which is crucial for Seahawks' defensive continuity. However, defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, who was placed on the non-football injury list before training camp, will not return this season. Hankins, who was Seattle’s primary nose tackle in 2024, was re-signed in the offseason but his absence has been compensated by strong play from Brandon Pili and Quinton Bohana.

Christian Haynes, a second-year guard displaced by Anthony Bradford in training camp and subsequently placed on injured reserve, might return after the bye. Macdonald tempered expectations but gave some hope with "we’ll see." Adding Haynes would strengthen an interior offensive line that is currently thin in depth.

On a positive note, rookie defensive tackle Rylie Mills is making progress recovering from an ACL injury suffered late in his college career at Notre Dame. Mills, a 5th round draft pick, could return within a month to six weeks, potentially impacting depth on an already solid defensive line.

The most encouraging injury news concerns rookie fullback Robbie Ouzts, sidelined since Week 3 due to an ankle injury. Ouzts is expected to begin practicing after the bye, which could boost Seattle’s run game that has struggled in his absence. The Seahawks will open a 21-day window allowing Ouzts to practice without occupying a roster spot before making a final decision on his status.

Offensive struggles and play-calling concerns

While Seattle’s offense features many playmakers, offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has faced criticism for overcreative, gimmicky calls that have backfired. A prime example occurred in Week 7 against Houston when a designed backward pass from quarterback Sam Darnold to wide receiver Cooper Kupp, intended to set up a pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, led to an interception. Kupp’s career passing attempts are minimal and unsuccessful, highlighting the questionable nature of the play call.

Head coach Mike Macdonald remarked that such questionable plays "might go in the freezer," implying they should be shelved due to their negative impact. Such mistakes disrupt momentum and have cost the Seahawks opportunities to put games away. Another miscue happened in Week 5 involving a botched pitch by rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe, resulting in a fumble recovery for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Macdonald and his staff appear poised to temper risky gimmicks in favor of more conventional play-calling to avoid costly errors down the stretch.

Reflection during the bye week and looking ahead

Macdonald described the bye week as an opportunity for rest, regrouping, and self-scouting. He emphasized that the team has a solid grasp of its identity but acknowledges areas for growth and improvement. This period will be used to develop focused plans for upcoming games.

A highlight for Macdonald is the prospect of finally fielding a fully healthy defense with continuity in personnel, a factor that can enhance overall performance. Despite multiple injuries, Seattle’s defense has performed well, but passing chemistry and consistent lineups will be key moving forward.

Sam Darnold’s toughness and leadership

Quarterback Sam Darnold has demonstrated resilience throughout the season, including during the Week 7 win against Houston. Despite two turnovers—an interception and a fumble under pressure—Darnold connected on a tight-window touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and a deep 26-yard reception later in the game. Macdonald praised Darnold’s mental toughness and leadership, calling him "unflappable" and emphasizing the trust between the quarterback and his receivers.

The Ravens’ regret: Mike Macdonald’s impact in Seattle

Mike Macdonald’s rise as the Seahawks head coach has underscored the Baltimore Ravens’ loss in letting him go. Macdonald served as Baltimore’s defensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023, building one of the league’s top defenses before departing in the 2024 offseason. His success has prompted reflection among Ravens fans and analysts, especially given Baltimore’s ongoing defensive struggles.

In Week 7, Seattle held Houston—a team that shredded Baltimore for 44 points just two weeks prior—to just one touchdown and limited their rushing attack effectively. By comparison, the Ravens’ defense, under coordinator Zach Orr, allowed substantial yardage and numerous points to Houston.

While the Ravens have flashes of competence under Orr, the combination of Macdonald’s coaching acumen and the offenses led by Lamar Jackson suggest Baltimore may have missed an opportunity to build a more dominant team. As the Ravens face an uphill battle this season, the wisdom of retaining their head coach John Harbaugh while losing Macdonald increasingly draws scrutiny.

Conclusion

As the Seattle Seahawks enter their bye week, they do so with cautious optimism thanks to injury recoveries and a potential return to defensive health. Yet challenges remain, especially on offense, where coaching decisions have at times hindered the team’s momentum. Head coach Mike Macdonald’s leadership and ability to foster resilience—exemplified by Sam Darnold’s performance—offer hope for sustained success going forward. Meanwhile, the coach’s immediate impact in Seattle casts a long shadow over his former team, the Baltimore Ravens, who may come to regret their offseason decision. The bye week offers Seattle not only rest but an important chance to recalibrate and prepare for the crucial stretch run of the NFL season.

Questions and answers

Q: Seattle Seahawks injury updates

A: The Seattle Seahawks have experienced a few injury concerns recently, with key players such as their starting quarterback and defensive backs being monitored closely. Some injuries have been classified as day-to-day, while others may require longer recovery times. The team’s medical staff is actively managing player health to ensure readiness for upcoming games, and updated reports are expected after practices and meetings with doctors.

Q: Mike Macdonald Seahawks bye week news

A: During the Seahawks' bye week, reports have highlighted Mike Macdonald’s efforts to adjust and implement his defensive strategies. The break allowed Macdonald to evaluate player performances and refine game plans to strengthen the defense moving forward. The bye week also provided an opportunity for the coaching staff to address any weaknesses revealed in early games and prepare for the second half of the season.

Q: Sam Darnold performance analysis

A: Sam Darnold has shown a mix of promising skills and areas for improvement since joining the Seahawks. His ability to read defenses and execute short to intermediate passes has been a strong point, though consistency and deep pass accuracy have fluctuated. Overall, Darnold's performance reflects growth potential, but the team and fans are looking for more stable and impactful contributions in key moments.

Q: Seahawks offensive coordinator criticism

A: The Seahawks' offensive coordinator has faced criticism for the team’s inconsistent offensive output and predictable play-calling in recent games. Critics argue that the game plans sometimes fail to fully utilize the strengths of the roster, leading to stalled drives and missed scoring opportunities. Fans and analysts suggest the offense needs more creativity and better in-game adjustments to become more dynamic and effective.

Q: Baltimore Ravens regret losing Mike Macdonald

A: The Baltimore Ravens have expressed some regret over losing Mike Macdonald, their former defensive coordinator now with the Seahawks, as his innovative defensive schemes had been highly effective. His departure reportedly left a gap in strategic leadership and defensive play-calling, which the team has struggled to fully replace. The Ravens acknowledge Macdonald's impact during his tenure and the challenge of maintaining the same defensive performance without him.

Key Entities

Seattle Seahawks: The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington, competing in the NFL's NFC West division. They are known for their strong defense and passionate fan base, often called the '12th Man.'

Mike Macdonald: Mike Macdonald is an American football coach currently serving as the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. He is recognized for his defensive strategies and has quickly risen through NFL coaching ranks.

Baltimore Ravens: The Baltimore Ravens are a professional NFL team based in Baltimore, Maryland, known for their formidable defense and multiple Super Bowl championships. Mike Macdonald serves as their defensive coordinator, contributing to the team's defensive performance.

Sam Darnold: Sam Darnold is an NFL quarterback who has played for teams such as the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers. He is noted for his mobility and passing skills but has faced challenges with consistency and injuries.

Klint Kubiak: Klint Kubiak is an NFL coach who has held offensive coaching positions, including quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator roles. He has worked with several teams, developing offensive game plans and mentoring quarterbacks.

External articles

• Injury Updates & Other Notes From Mike Macdonald ...
• 3 key Seahawks' defensive players on track to return after ...
• Mike Macdonald provides injury updates on key Seahawks ...

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