The Seattle Seahawks are in the thick of a tight divisional race and an NFC playoff picture that is far from decided. While we may have somewhat of a solid read on who the good teams are at this point in the season, there are statements still to be made in the run up to the postseason and the Hawks will want to keep beating good teams.
Are the Washington Commanders one of the good teams in the NFC? It’s tough to say, as they’ve had a rash of injuries that have contributed to a 3-5 record. The saying
does go that you are what your record says, however… and in a year where the 49ers are overcoming a lot of injuries to get wins, it’s clear that contenders find a way to win with the depth of their rosters over the course of a long season.
Which Seattle players could step up as surprise contributors against the (familiar) Dan Quinn and Bobby Wagner-led team in the “other” Washington? Let’s jump into it!
Nick Kallerup
While we shouldn’t necessarily expect to see him catch a ton of passes, Kallerup could be a factor in the run game. With Eric Saubert landing on IR this week, someone will need to fill in alongside A.J. Barner and Elijah Arroyo. The Hawks have been running a lot of 2- and 3-TE formations, so the UDFA rookie could get his first look at being tasked with moving people at the line of scrimmage since he made Seattle’s initial roster. Looking forward to seeing why Seattle leadership viewed him as a key piece for this team.
Cody White
It might finally be time. After spending about two years working up from the Seahawks practice squad, White made the initial 53-man roster for the first time in his career to kick off the 2025 Seahawks season. He’s worked hard, flashed in preseason and even put up a 44-yard effort in an OT loss to the Rams last year. With Cooper Kupp, Jake Bobo and Dareke Young all expected to miss Sunday Night Football, White could find himself acting as WR3.
He and George Holani are likely to handle kick return duties while Young is out. In his short time with White, rookie QB Jalen Milroe had this to say about him during preseason play: “Cody White is a competitor. What I appreciate about him is his hunger. He always competes, no matter where we’re at…”. Let’s go, Cody!
Brandon Pili
With Jarran Reed listed as questionable with a wrist injury, Pili could appear more often in a rotation as a nose tackle on early downs and short yardage situations (whether or not Reed plays). Pili has been very solid in limited snaps so far this year, seeming to win a position battle with Quinton Bohanna, getting elevated from the practice squad for game action thrice, and subsequently being signed to the active roster. Pili has earned a 64.7 grade from PFF and will face a Commanders team that is top ten in run rate and house three backs that are all averaging 4.4 yards per carry or better. Seattle is the top defense against running attacks and will need that to show up again on Sunday Night Football.
