Although the Seattle Seahawks remain in the midst of an injury crisis ahead of their crucial Week 9 clash against their division rival Arizona Cardinals, they’ll have some some room to work with after Friday’s roster shuffle.
The team announced they released running back Velus Jones Jr. and subsequently re-signed him to their practice squad, where they had a vacant spot. As a vested veteran, he was not subject to waivers.
With Jones Jr. reverting to the practice squad, Seattle now has an open spot
on their 53-man roster.
Through three games, Jones Jr. logged 28 yards on nine carries, but suffered a hamstring injury in the team’s Week 7 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs and was forced to miss Monday’s game against the Chicago Bears.
Although he practiced in a limited capacity on both Wednesday and Thursday, the return of running backs Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet on top of the team already committed to Emanuel Wilson as well as George Holani likely would’ve made him odd man out even if he was deemed healthy enough to return.
With DT Leonard Williams (stinger), OG Quenton Nelson (knee), WR Rashid Shaheed (knee), LB Uchenna Nwosu (ankle), QB Sam Darnold (quadriceps, ribs), Brandon Pili (back), and OT Charles Cross (ankle) already ruled out, the Seahawks appear poised to fill the vacant spot with a player of one of those seven positions and they’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
While WR Montorie Foster Jr. was elevated against the Bears, Seattle signed QB Adrian Martinez and linebacker Jamie Sheriff to their practice squad on Wednesday, seemingly hinting one of them could take the final spot.
Alongside Nwosu’s injury, LB Connor O’Toole (foot) is deemed questionable and if he’s ultimately ruled out, Sheriff fits the bill especially given his experience with the team. However, the Seahawks are currently poised to have just two quarterbacks (Drew Lock, Jalen Milroe) on the roster for Sunday’s game, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the opted to add a third, considering Milroe’s inexperience.
The Seahawks are set to announce their game elevations on Saturday afternoon.
