Starting safety Ty Okada is back at practice, limited, for the first time *all season*, and that’s the kind of jolt the Seahawks defense needed heading into Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers. But don’t pop the champagne just yet, because while the D is getting a much-needed boost, the running back room just went from ‘worried’ to ‘full-blown crisis mode’ after the latest injury report dropped.
The Defense Is Getting a Much-Needed Shot in the Arm
Let’s soak in the good news first, because frankly, we need it. Okada’s return, even in a limited capacity, is HUGE. We’ve been waiting for this guy to hit the field, and seeing him out there means the secondary could get a serious spark. His fellow starting safety, Julian Love, was limited again with a calf injury, but the man straight-up told the media, “Yeah, I feel good.” And usually, when a player talks to the media like that, it means he’s lacing up on Sunday. So, two starting safeties potentially good to go? That’s what we love to hear, Emerald City!
And the good vibes don’t stop there for the defense. Defensive tackle Brandon Pili (neck) and safety Nick Emmanwori (ankle) were both full participants for the second straight day. Plus, wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (hip) also hit full participation again, which is big for Sam Darnold and the offense. Even more solidifying the trenches: left guard Grey Zabel (groin) and defensive tackles Jarran Reed (foot) both moved from limited to full participants. Even Leonard Williams got his veteran rest day out of the way and was a full participant today. The D-line is getting healthy, the secondary is getting a boost, and that could be massive against the Chargers’ offense.
Running Back Room: From Worried to Full-Blown Emergency
Now, for the gut punch. The running back situation is officially a mess. Zach Charbonnet *did* return to practice on a limited basis, and that’s technically good news, right? He’s on the PUP list, so he can’t play Sunday against the Chargers, but the clock has started. He has 21 days to be activated, or his season is done. The earliest we could see him back is Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers, with the absolute latest being Week 7 when we face Kenneth Walker III and the Kansas City Chiefs. So, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, but that tunnel is looking awfully dark for this Sunday.
Why so dark? Jadarian Price. The dude went from limited yesterday to a full-on “did not participate” today because of a chest injury. If he can’t go Sunday, we’re looking at a heavy dose of George Holani and Emanuel Wilson to carry the load. And get this: Holani was also limited for the second straight day with a rib injury! Are you kidding me?! If Holani’s ribs are barking, too, we might be digging into the practice squad for Velus Jones Jr. or Jacardia Wright. This backfield is hurting, and it’s going to put a ton of pressure on Darnold to make plays.
The 12s are going to need to bring the noise louder than ever this Sunday at Lumen Field. The defense is looking healthier in some key spots, which is awesome, but the running game is a major question mark heading into the Chargers game. We need to see who steps up in the backfield and if Love and Okada can make an immediate impact. It’s a critical Week 4 matchup, and while Charbonnet’s return is something to look forward to in the coming weeks, we gotta find a way to win *now*.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Field Gulls.
Leave a Reply