The Seattle Seahawks kicked off the 2026 NFL season with a gritty 13-10 win over the New England Patriots, proving early on that the Emerald City is ready for some football! It was a nail-biter, a classic defensive battle that saw our squad hold strong for the W, giving us that crucial first step in the standings. But while we are all celebrating that first victory, a ghost from our not-so-distant past just popped up on another team’s practice squad, and it is a stark reminder of a head-scratching move that still stings.
Hawks Squeak Out a Week 1 Win
What a way to start the season! Our Seahawks fought hard, holding the Patriots to just 10 points in a true defensive slugfest at home. That 13-10 final score tells you everything about the grind, and getting that win early against a tough opponent is exactly what we need as we navigate the early weeks of the season. Every point, every tackle, every defensive stop mattered, and our guys delivered. It was the kind of tough football the 12s love to see.
Tyrel Dodson’s Unforeseen Release Still Stings
Now, let’s talk about something that might make you yell at your screen. Tyrel Dodson, a name many of us probably remember, just landed on the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad. Why does this matter? Because in 2024, Dodson was a Seattle Seahawk, starting all nine games he appeared in and leading the team with 71 tackles along with two sacks. He was a force! Then, out of nowhere, he was released. One article even called it “shocking and unforeseen.” He quickly signed with the Miami Dolphins that same year, adding 36 more tackles in eight games, finishing the season with an insane 107 total tackles.
And it gets better. Or worse, depending on how you look at it. In 2025, Dodson stayed in Miami, started all 16 games, and racked up an impressive 129 tackles and five sacks. This guy was a proven, durable, productive middle linebacker, with 310 tackles and 9.5 sacks over the last three seasons and no injury history. Now, after losing a starting job to a rookie in Miami, he is on a practice squad. It just makes you wonder what could have been if he was still patrolling the middle for our defense.
Meanwhile, Other Teams Are Already Banged Up
While we are focused on our Hawks, other teams are already dealing with some serious early season injury woes. Over in Carolina, they are kicking off Week 1 with a pretty light practice report for now, but their injured reserve list is brutal. Right tackle Taylor Moton is out for at least four games with a blood clot in his lungs. Offensive lineman Brady Christensen will also miss at least four games with a hamstring issue. Running back Trevor Etienne is out to begin the year but is designated to return. Even worse, second-year defensive end Nic Scourton, who was coming off a promising rookie season and poised for a breakout, is out for the entire year with an ACL injury. Rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell will also miss the whole season with a knee injury, putting a huge damper on his first year. It is a harsh reminder of how quickly a season can change for any team.
As our Hawks look to build on that Week 1 victory, every decision, every player on the roster, and every play on the field will be under the microscope. We need to keep that momentum rolling, and we will be locked in for the next game, ready to cheer them on!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Cat Scratch Reader.
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