The Seattle Seahawks are officially locking in their practice squad, and one familiar rookie is making his way back to the Emerald City. Wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr., a sixth-round draft pick, is re-signing with the ‘Hawks for the practice squad, according to a league source. This move comes right after the dust settled on all those waiver claims and roster cuts.
Henderson Jr.’s Speed Game is Back
This kid Henderson Jr. definitely brings some juice to the squad. He was drafted out of Kansas, and man, did he turn heads at the combine with a blazing 4.44 second 40-yard dash. That kind of speed screams versatility, especially on special teams and returns, which is exactly what he proclaimed during his draft conference call. He wasn’t shy about it, saying, “special teams is a big part of my game, with my wide receiver ability.” We saw glimpses of that during preseason play, where he snagged four passes for 65 yards. He also flashed his return skills, taking four kick returns for 88 yards, and even chipped in with two solo tackles. That’s hustle, plain and simple, and it shows he’s got the mindset for impact plays beyond just catching the ball.
The Draft Day Trade That Brought Him Here
It’s cool to look back at how Henderson Jr. even landed in Seattle. The ‘Hawks actually acquired the pick they used to draft him in a savvy Day 3 move during the 2026 NFL Draft. They dropped back 11 spots in a trade that involved the Cincinnati Bengals, coming originally from the New York Jets. Besides getting the pick for Henderson Jr., that same trade also snagged them pick #242, which they used on Deven Eastern. Funny enough, the Jets ended up using their pick, #188, on a guard named Anez Cooper, who’s already been placed on IR. It just goes to show how those draft day decisions can ripple through a season.
This is just the start for filling out the practice squad, with 16 traditional spots still open. Plus, there’s that 17th spot for International Pathways Player exemption Federico Maranges. Getting Henderson Jr. back gives the ‘Hawks a speedy, versatile player to develop. Keep an eye on this kid, 12s, because his special teams potential could absolutely be something to watch as the season gets rolling.
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.
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