The Seattle Seahawks made a roster shuffle Friday, releasing running back Velus Jones Jr. and immediately re-signing him to their practice squad, opening up a critical 53-man roster spot just as the team navigates a brutal injury crisis ahead of their crucial Week 9 clash against division rival Arizona. This isn’t just a minor move, folks, this is the kind of mid-season adjustment that could shift momentum when we need it most.
Jones Jr. Out, But Was It Inevitable?
Jones Jr. is a vested veteran, so he cleared waivers without an issue, heading straight back to the practice squad where there was a vacant spot. He logged 28 yards on nine carries through three games this season, but a hamstring injury suffered in the Week 7 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs kept him sidelined for Monday’s game against the Chicago Bears. While he was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, the writing was pretty much on the wall for Jones Jr. The return of running backs Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet, on top of the team’s commitment to Emanuel Wilson and George Holani, meant he was likely the odd man out even if he was 100% healthy. It’s a tough break, but the Hawks have some serious talent in that backfield.
The Injury Report is a Horror Show, Who Steps Up?
Now, about that open roster spot: the team is absolutely decimated by injuries. We’ve got a laundry list of key players already ruled out for Sunday’s game. DT Leonard Williams is dealing with a stinger, OG Quenton Nelson has a knee issue, WR Rashid Shaheed is out with a knee injury, LB Uchenna Nwosu is battling an ankle problem, QB Sam Darnold is sidelined with quad and rib injuries, Brandon Pili has a back issue, and OT Charles Cross is out with an ankle injury. Seriously, that’s seven starters or key contributors who won’t be on the field! With LB Connor O’Toole also questionable with a foot injury, the need for reinforcements is real. The Seahawks are almost certainly going to use that open spot to bring in help at one of these positions. We saw WR Montorie Foster Jr. get elevated against the Bears, and the Hawks signed QB Adrian Martinez and linebacker Jamie Sheriff to the practice squad on Wednesday. If O’Toole is ultimately ruled out, Sheriff seems like a prime candidate given his experience with the team. But don’t sleep on the QB situation either: with Sam Darnold out, Drew Lock and the inexperienced Jalen Milroe are currently our only two QBs on the active roster. Adding a third, like Martinez, wouldn’t be a shocker at all.
Our Hawks are set to announce their game elevations Saturday afternoon, which means we’ll finally see who gets the call for this crucial Week 9 matchup against the Cardinals. With so many key players down, whoever steps up is going to have to make an immediate impact. It’s going to be a battle, but you know the 12s will be loud and ready to back our boys.
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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