The Seattle Seahawks are officially running on fumes at linebacker, and it has led to a familiar face returning to the Emerald City. On Wednesday, the Hawks announced they are bringing back Josh Ross, signing him to the practice squad. This move tells you everything you need to know about how dire things are looking in the middle of that defense.
The Injury Tsunami at Linebacker
This isn’t just about depth, it is about sheer numbers. The Hawks are staring down Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs with a serious linebacker crisis. Drake Thomas, who already missed Week 6 against the Denver Broncos with an ankle injury, did not practice on Wednesday. Then there is Chazz Surratt, who has been sidelined for weeks now with a calf injury. And to top it all off, Tyrice Knight got added to the injury report this week, limited in practice with an oblique issue. That is three crucial guys either out or hobbled as the team preps for a big matchup.
Ross’s Reunion and What it Means
Ross is not a stranger here. He was part of the 2024 Seahawks squad and was even on the preseason roster last year, though he did not make it past that. Most recently, he was with the Minnesota Vikings preseason squad earlier this season. His ties to Head Coach Mike Macdonald run deep, going back to their University of Michigan days in 2021 and then the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. To make space for Ross, former Northwestern guard Evan Beerntsen was released from the practice squad.
What can we expect from Ross? Realistically, he will most likely be a special teams body, which is what he was for Seattle in 2024. But if this injury situation becomes an outright crisis, he is a potential game day elevation. The updated Seahawks practice squad now lists him among the linebackers, which also includes Jimmy Ciarlo.
So, as the Seahawks prepare for the Chiefs, all eyes will be on that linebacker room. This move for Ross is not just a roster shuffle, it is a clear signal of concern from the coaching staff. How will Macdonald and Defensive Coordinator Brian Fleury piece together a strategy with so many key players hurting? We will find out Sunday, and every 12 will be watching closely to see who steps up.
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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