The 2026 NFL training camps have kicked off around the league, and our team reporters are on the ground each day following all the action. The Seattle Seahawks' camp is taking place in Renton, Washington, and Seahawks reporter Brady Henderson has the latest intel on standouts, highlights, position battles, depth chart movement, cut decisions and, of course, the quarterbacks room.
What follows is everything we are seeing and hearing at Seahawks camp. What is new with the defending Super Bowl champions? Who are the breakout players to watch, especially for fantasy football? And which players on the roster bubble could make the final 53?
Catch up on all the updates, including the Packers' top camp performer and biggest lingering question as preseason games begin.
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Friday, Aug. 21
The Seahawks spent a second-round pick on safety Bud Clark after losing Coby Bryant in free agency, but don't pencil the rookie into the starting lineup just yet. Ty Okada doesn't look like he's giving up that job any time soon.
"We love Ty," linebacker Ernest Jones IV said Friday after Okada provided a highlight of Seattle's joint practice against the Tennessee Titans. "I think where Ty has grown is that he's just more in command in his voice and speaking up when things aren't right. He's also just taken a next level to his game being ahead of plays and being that safety in the back that you depend on."
Okada was dependable last season. The 2023 undrafted free agent gave Seattle starting-caliber play while Bryant and Julian Love missed a combined 11 games with injuries. But Friday's practice brought more evidence that Okada can also provide some playmaking when he jumped an over-the-middle throw from Cam Ward for a pick-six.
"It was a really great call," Okada said. "I was coming down over the middle. I tried to get his eyes off of me and then on a crossing route, I was able to read it, play off of him, go out there and make a play. It felt good."
Clark, the 64th overall pick, intercepted 15 passes over his final four seasons at TCU. But the ball production that was his calling card in college has yet to come alive with Seattle. It's among the reasons why Okada has taken almost all of the reps with the No. 1 defense, as all signs point to Seattle rolling with him opposite Love in their starting lineup.
"He's got a ton of confidence," coach Mike Macdonald said. "He's taking on more of a leadership role, too, in terms of really holding our younger guys to a higher standard, which is great. We need that right now from those guys. From my stance, he's playing really good football."
Other observations:
RB George Holani got most of the reps with the No. 1 offense as top pick Jadarian Price (lower body soreness) continues to ramp back up after missing over a week of training camp. "It's not responsible to give him a thousand carries after being down for a minute, but I'm eager to watch the tape," Macdonald said. "I was looking forward to seeing him play today."
OLB Derick Hall is also working his way back from an undisclosed injury (Macdonald does not readily give injury information) that sidelined him for several days. Hall was in uniform Friday and went through early warmups before taking it easy for the remainder of practice.
Thursday, Aug. 20
What is Trevon Diggs' mindset after joining the Seahawks?
"I just want to come here, compete, earn my keep," the former Dallas Cowboys cornerback said Wednesday, "just do everything I can to earn a spot here and help this team win."
Exactly what the Seahawks have in mind for Diggs will become more clear when the details of his one-year deal emerge. The fact that they were not initially reported seems telling in and of itself. So does the ending of Diggs' tenure in Dallas last season, as well as what he said after arriving at Seahawks headquarters about how he wants to "earn" a spot in Seattle.
Nothing about the situation suggests the Seahawks view Diggs as an immediate, surefire upgrade to their current options at CB3. Rather, he looks like someone who could reinforce Seattle's secondary depth for now, and potentially work his way into a bigger role.
With the Seahawks off to Nashville Thursday for a joint practice and a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, the Diggs signing invites a day-after look at Seattle's cornerback room.
The only real certainties are that the newly-extended Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe -- whom Seattle re-signed in March -- will fill the top two spots. Noah Igbinoghene seems to have at least a slight edge over Nehemiah Pritchett in the battle for the No. 3 job.
The Seahawks seem to think that Terrion Arnold could eventually be an upgrade there, but with a stay on the commissioner exempt list coming and a suspension potentially to follow, there's no telling when he'll be available. Julian Neal figured to be part of the No. 3 cornerback competition when the Seahawks drafted him in the third round, but he's been sidelined for much of camp with an undisclosed injury. While Neal has been in uniform in recent days and took part in the walkthrough Wednesday, rookies who miss as much time as he has tend to fall far behind.
The Diggs signing might have as much to do with Neal's extended absence and strengthening the bottom of the depth chart than it does the question of whether Seattle will be vulnerable at CB3 regardless of who wins that job.
Below them are seventh-round picks Andre Fuller and Michael Dansby, who have each cooled off after strong starts to training camp. They've always seemed like candidates for the practice squad more than the 53-man roster. The Seahawks had a fifth-round grade on Fuller, but the fact that each lasted to the seventh round suggests there's a good chance Seattle could get them through waivers.
Seattle recently placed Shemar Jean-Charles on season-ending injured reserve, but he wasn't likely going to make the 53-man roster even if he'd stayed healthy.
More observations:
G Bryce Cabeldue was on the field for the walk-through Wednesday after going down with a neck injury Tuesday. He appears to be OK.
The Seahawks will hold one practice against the Titans on Friday. They'll practice by themselves on Friday before the preseason game Sunday.
Tuesday, Aug. 18
There are so many ways in which Mike Macdonald coaches the Seahawks differently from his predecessor, and this week is about to bring another example.
Whereas Pete Carroll was staunchly against joint practices -- he never held one in 14 seasons in Seattle -- Macdonald is a proponent. It's why the Seahawks will head to Nashville on Thursday to practice against the Tennessee Titans on Friday, two days before their preseason game at Nissan Stadium.
The Seahawks held joint practices in each of Macdonald's first two seasons -- in Nashville in 2024 and against the Packers in Green Bay last summer.
Macdonald sees a best-of-all-worlds appeal in getting reps against another team in the controlled setting of a practice, where the two sides can simulate certain situations, and where the quarterbacks are not to be touched. Teams can also run plays that they wouldn't call in preseason games lest they put them on film for the rest of the league to see.
"It's a lot of intentional reps," safety Julian Love said. "You're not just going through a game setting. You're doing one-on-ones against these guys, you're doing third-down period, certain concept periods against them, but you're going full go. It's cool where you get intentional work. It's always good to see other [starters] just so you can read and react. Me as a DB, it's nice when you can play a ball in a different setting against different people, get some different tendencies.
"We're going to value it. The whole team is going to really take advantage of these reps because they're important."
Fights are a common occurrence in joint practices. That's likely one reason the Seahawks have opted for just a single session after doing two of them against the Titans in 2024. Punches flew even in their lone practice against the Packers.
When things aren't getting out of hand on the field, another benefit of joint practices is the opportunity they provide for team bonding.
"Two years ago in Tennessee, last year in Green Bay, it was the first time everyone let their hair down and enjoyed hanging out with each other," Love said. "Traveling with the team is always fun. We love traveling with each other just because it's a time where guys can just get a break and be with each other. Playing against another team in that kind of competitive space is fun. Then we go out to dinner, do the rookie [talent] show, all that stuff is a lot of fun. I know a lot of the guys are really excited about it."
More observations:
RB Jadarian Price practiced for a second straight day. Seattle's top pick didn't practice for over a week due to what Macdonald called lower-body soreness.
RB Emanuel Wilson remains sidelined for undisclosed reasons.
CB Josh Jobe made the play of the day when he jumped in front of Rashid Shaheed and intercepted a short throw from Sam Darnold for what likely would have been a pick-six in a game. Darnold and Shaheed connected earlier on a deep throw that traveled about 45 yards in the air.
Backup G Bryce Cabeldue left practice with an apparent neck/head injury.
Sunday, Aug. 16
One lesser-known player who's making his best case for a job with the Seahawks in 2026 is Montorie Foster Jr. The second-year receiver continued his strong summer with a touchdown catch in Seattle's preseason opener, a 17-7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
This time last year, he was unsigned and thinking about giving up football.
Foster joined the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2025. But after he hurt his hamstring and was waived with an injury designation in early August, he returned home to Cleveland and began looking for regular jobs. He got his real estate license and even worked as a substitute teacher at St. Edward High School, his alma mater.
"I had a Latin class," he said postgame. "I don't know any Latin, at all."
But Foster appears to know what "carpe diem" means, because he's grabbing a hold of his latest opportunity with Seattle. The Seahawks brought him back to their practice squad in December, signed him to a futures deal after the Super Bowl and are now seeing him make a serious push to stick around in some capacity.
"Every time I play, I play to a standard and it don't matter if I'm playing good or bad, my standard is my standard," he said. "I go out there every day and just try to put my best foot forward every day and put forth the effort, go block, do the little things and let everything else take care of itself."
Foster makes at least one play virtually every day. On Saturday, he almost made two. After catching a 5-yard touchdown from Drew Lock to cap Seattle's opening drive, he got open on a go route down the sideline for what would have been another score had Lock not overthrown him.
"The journey he's been on from the previous year until now, man, he's light-years away from where he was, and he's been fantastic for us," Lock said. "He makes great plays. Explosive with the ball in his hand. Reliable. He's going to catch the ball. Yeah, nothing but confidence for him."
It'll be tough for Foster to make Seattle's 53-man roster. Tory Horton is healthy and one of the league's more overqualified No. 4 receivers behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp and Rashid Shaheed. The Seahawks gave Jake Bobo a two-year, $5.5 million deal, so he's making the team. Even if they keep a sixth receiver, Cody White would also be in play for that spot.
But based on the frequency with which he's made plays, Foster looks like someone the Seahawks would at least like to keep on their practice squad, if they can get him there. Whether it's in Seattle or elsewhere, he should be on an NFL team this fall and not at the front of a Latin class.
"It means everything," Foster said of his opportunity. "I was back at home for 16 weeks and it was tough. There were times where I wanted to give up and get a regular job. But I stayed at it. My dad told me that cream always rises to the top and to just stay faithful. I just kept working, and now I'm here today."
More observations:
Mike Macdonald was less than pleased with how the Seahawks played against Dallas, saying their operation and the way they finished plays was not up to their standard. "That's the most people I've ever seen at a preseason game," he said of the fans at Lumen Field. "We owe them a better performance, to say the least."
With Sam Darnold and virtually every other Seahawks starter not playing, Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe rotated. Lock went 9-of-13 for 40 yards and the TD to Foster. Milroe went 5-of-8 for 36 yards and added 36 rushing yards on five carries. Macdonald's assessment of the QBs: "Good enough to put up seven points. Got to put up more points. We need to operate better. There's some good things. It's great to have tape against another team now. In a different type of setting where the pass rush is live, you're up against the play clock. All these different things that you have to be able to play out are great learning experiences for everybody, quarterbacks included."
Macdonald had praise for backup LB Tyrice Knight, who led all players with 10 tackles and had two passes defensed: "We're a little banged up at inside 'backer, so T-Knight probably played more than we bargained for. But he was the best player on the field on defense today, for sure, so that was cool to see."
Macdonald has called defensive plays in each of his first two seasons and will do so again in 2026, but he let DC Aden Durde handle those duties Saturday, as he has done in past preseason games. "It's a great experience for AD," Macdonald said. "He's called the majority of camp up to this point. He's done a phenomenal job throughout camp. He really has. We've had a ton of call-it periods. He's on the details, just doing a lot of great stuff, honestly. But at some point, I've got to get ready to call a game too, so I think I'll probably call next week."
Who has been the Seahawks' top performer so far at camp?
The offense in general has been impressive considering the transition to new coordinator Brian Fleury and the fact that it faces the league's best scoring defense from 2025 every day in practice. In terms of individuals, we'll give the nod to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The league's leading receiver from last season and the reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year has remained an almost-unstoppable force. Rashid Shaheed is the deep threat in Seattle's offense, but QB Sam Darnold has connected with JSN on several downfield shots this summer.
What still needs to be answered over the course of preseason games?
Who will win the third cornerback job? After letting Riq Woolen leave in free agency, the Seahawks have Noah Igbinoghene and Nehemiah Pritchett competing to replace him. Macdonald demands physicality from his corners, so preseason games (and Seattle's joint practice this week against the Titans) could be the differentiator in this battle. Regardless of who emerges, the position looks like a question mark, which is why Seattle is looking into free agent corner Terrion Arnold, who was released by the Lions in June after being arrested on felony charges of armed robbery and kidnapping.
Friday, Aug. 14
After 15 practices and three walk-throughs over the first three weeks of training camp, the Seahawks are set to open the preseason Saturday night against the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field.
"Our players have earned the right ... to go let it rip and trust your training and go have fun," coach Mike Macdonald said Friday. "Go play football [like] they know how and our brand of ball, and hopefully it comes to life, and hopefully we have some cost-of-doing-business celebration penalties."
Macdonald said many of the team's established starters will not play. That includes Sam Darnold, whose only preseason action last summer was 10 snaps in the second game. Drew Lock will start against Dallas and Jalen Milroe will play next, and in a change from a year ago, Macdonald said the plan is for the quarterbacks to continue to rotate "to some degree."
Rookie running back Jadarian Price will not play as the team's first-round pick continues to work his way back from what Macdonald has described as "lower-body soreness" that should not keep him out for long. Price has taken part in both walk-throughs this week but missed the past five actual practices. Macdonald said Friday that Price is "on the mend."
George Holani, who has shared first-team reps with Price, "should see some action" against the Cowboys. He's one of only four healthy tailbacks the Seahawks have available with Price, Emanuel Wilson and Jacardia Wright banged up and Zach Charbonnet still on the physically unable to perform list.
Macdonald said Wilson is working through an undisclosed injury and "should be back at some point." He used similar wording on outside linebacker Derick Hall, saying he shouldn't be out long term.
The Seahawks put fullback Robbie Ouzts on injured reserve earlier this week because of a neck injury that will end his season. It does not sound career-ending, based on how Macdonald described it.
"It's an unfortunate situation," Macdonald said. "It's just someone you're really rooting for. But to our knowledge, there is a recovery process, and this should help his career long term. This is why we're doing it."
Thursday, Aug. 13
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe has had a hand in the team's expected addition of Terrion Arnold, having vouched for his college teammate and close friend while Seattle was vetting the free agent cornerback amid his ongoing legal case.
Milroe is also hoping to help the Seahawks on the field in Year 2 after an underwhelming rookie season. Seattle drafted him in the third round with the plan to utilize his athleticism in specialty packages, but it was shelved after a rough, fumble-filled start.
Given the difficulty of making three quarterbacks active on game days, Milroe might again have a hard time getting snaps in 2026 as Seattle's QB3. He doesn't appear ready to overtake Drew Lock for the No. 2 job behind Sam Darnold but has nonetheless looked much more functional than he did a year ago.
"He's looked really good," said tight end AJ Barner, who had a long reception on an over-the-middle Milroe throw Thursday. "He's throwing the ball very confident, and I think that's the biggest thing. Ask any player out here. You want to make confident decisions and then go let it rip, and I think J-Mil has really taken a stride this camp."
As Barner noted, Milroe has a quick release and throws with plenty of zip. His accuracy appears to have improved on shorter and intermediate throws. Still, plays tend to die with him holding onto the ball in the pocket more often than with Seattle's other quarterbacks. He doesn't take off and run as much as he could, as if he's being coached to not rely too much on his legs.
But they still pose a clear threat.
"I can just feel him get more comfortable in the pocket," Barner said. "He's standing in there, he's making decisions. When he wants to use his athleticism, he's going to go ahead and do that."
If the number of reps Milroe got Thursday were any indication, it looks as if he's in line to play extensively Saturday when the Seahawks open the preseason against the Dallas Cowboys.
"Another guy on Saturday that I'm stoked for him to just go out there and show what he's got," Barner said.
Other observations:
RB Jadarian Price was out again Thursday. The Seahawks' top pick took part in Wednesday's walk-through but has missed the past five actual practices. Coach Mike Macdonald has described it as a minor issue -- calling it lower body soreness -- and has said Price should be back soon.
S Nick Emmanwori still is not practicing after being activated off the physically unable to perform list earlier this week.
Also not practicing Thursday were OLB Derick Hall and CB Julian Neal.
Wednesday, Aug. 12
There was nothing noteworthy to come from the Seahawks' 16th practice of training camp, with players wearing shorts and T-shirts during a 55-minute walk-through. But there was a development with Terrion Arnold.
After working out for the Seahawks on Sunday, then visiting the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday, the third-year cornerback continued his free agent tour by meeting with the New York Giants on Wednesday. If the Seahawks are going to truly pursue Arnold, who is facing eight felony charges in Florida in connection with a kidnapping and robbery in early February, then it sounds like they'll have competition.
Coach Mike Macdonald's comments on Arnold earlier this week made it clear that Seattle's interest is much more than simply the team's usual due diligence. That was reinforced on the second episode of "Hard Knocks," which showed general manager John Schneider eagerly relaying to Macdonald what Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe told him about Arnold while vouching for his college teammate.
In another clip, Schneider was shown asking another front office member about instances of an NFL team acquiring a player with an outstanding legal case, as if trying to gauge the potential blowback.
There are other questions the Seahawks likely have to ponder:
When might Arnold be available should he land on the NFL commissioner's exempt list? How might the team's soon-to-be owners feel about a controversial signing if it were to happen before they'd be in position to sign off on it? And would Arnold fit into the tight-knit culture that has been part of the reigning Super Bowl champions' secret sauce?
Defensive tackle Leonard Williams was asked about the possibility of adding a player with off-the-field issues to Seattle's locker room.
"We have such a culture and way about ourselves here that if you don't fall in line with the way our team is, you're just going to get steamrolled and not fit in, to be honest," Williams said. "I think guys instantly come into this building and they see that we stand out in different ways in terms of the way we practice, the way we communicate, the way we show respect and want to get better. If you're not following all of our principles and guidelines, you're going to stand out really easily. You're either just going to fall in line or not end up here."
Other observations:
The Seahawks have a full-length practice Thursday and a shorter one Friday before their preseason opener Saturday against the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field.
Tuesday, Aug. 11
Good news came on the injury front on Tuesday via safety Nick Emmanwori passing his physical, a significant step in his return from July ankle surgery.
Then came bad news, with the team announcing that second-year fullback Robbie Ouzts will go on injured reserve, ending his season because of the neck issue that kept him out of the NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl.
It's no small thing given new coordinator Brian Fleury's stated desire to run a good chunk of his offense with two backs on the field at the same time. Fleury came from the San Francisco 49ers, who ran an NFL-high 491 plays last season out of two-back formations, according to ESPN Research. Since 2022, coach Kyle Shanahan's offense leads the league in snaps with two backs.
"I like using two backs because it can change the formation strength after the snap as opposed to the whole defense being able to identify it before the snap," Fleury said last week. "It creates some fit problems. It's becoming less and less common across the league, so it's more difficult to prepare for. Those are the elements I like about it. I'm more of an old-school traditionalist because of my upbringing in football and so I'm always going to want to play with two backs at some point. I like the guys we have in that role right now."
At that point, it wasn't known yet that Ouzts would have to miss the season. Brady Russell, a converted tight end, is the Seahawks' next man up at fullback. They also signed Brock Lampe last week.
General manager John Schneider has a long history of late-summer additions, so the Seahawks could potentially find their replacement for Ouzts via a trade or waiver claim. Or, as Fleury said, they could find creative ways to get a second back on the field.
"It doesn't have to be a traditional fullback," Fleury said last week. "We've found ways to use receivers in lead blocking roles, other tight ends, even other running backs. We'll find a way to get it done."
More observations:
Rookie RB Jadarian Price missed his fourth straight practice. Coach Mike Macdonald has described his issue as lower-body soreness and said Seattle's first-round pick should be back in a matter of days.
Tuesday's practice again got contentious. During an 11-on-11 period, S Ty Okada hit WR Tory Horton on a screen pass. Horton took exception, pushing Okada. G Christian Haynes came to Horton's defense and ended up going to the ground with Okada. There were no flare-ups after that, and Okada was laughing about the altercation with fellow defensive backs on the sideline moments later.
Okada came down with an interception when CB Josh Jobe deflected a QB Sam Darnold pass to WR Cooper Kupp near the goal line.
Monday, Aug. 10
The Seahawks might have more NFL-caliber safeties than they'll be able to keep, and the players who are vying for roster spots have been making plays.
AJ Finley and Rodney Thomas II both had interceptions during Seattle's annual practice at Lumen Field on Saturday. D'Anthony Bell got in on the action Monday as the team returned to work following an off day.
In an 11-on-11 period, No. 3 quarterback Jalen Milroe was trying to hit tight end Elijah Arroyo on an out route when Bell jumped in front of the throw and intercepted it in stride for what might have been a pick-six in an actual game.
"It was great to see him make a play today," coach Mike Macdonald said. "He's doing a good job. There's a lot of competition for the job that he's trying to earn himself, so it's a process. One day at a time, but D-Bell is doing a good job."
Ty Okada still looks like the heavy favorite to replace free agent departure Coby Bryant in the starting lineup opposite Julian Love. Rookie Bud Clark is a lock to make the team after Seattle drafted him No. 64. The Seahawks were optimistic immediately after Nick Emmanwori had ankle surgery in July that he'd be back in time for Week 1, so it would take an unforeseen issue with his recovery to keep him off the 53-player roster to begin the season.
Working in Bell's favor is the fact that he has been the primary backup to Emmanwori as the third safety in big nickel packages. He's also a strong special teams player. Bell blocked a punt last season and played the fourth-most special teams snaps of any Seahawk despite appearing in only 14 games.
That helps explain why they gave him a Super Bowl ring even though he missed their playoff run. The Seahawks waived Bell in Week 18 in the hopes of moving him onto their practice squad, but the Carolina Panthers claimed him. Seattle re-signed Bell in March to a one-year, $1.485 million deal that includes $225,000 guaranteed.
"It's going to come down to special teams, how we package our personnel groups, things like that," Macdonald said. "But he made a great play today. That was awesome."
More observations:
LB Patrick O'Connell, another player vying for a roster spot, made perhaps the play of the day -- a leaping interception of a floating pass into the end zone from Drew Lock. He then punted the football in celebration. You might see that one on HBO's "Hard Knocks."
WR Jake Bobo returned to practice, and CB Julian Neal, LB Jamie Sheriff and DL Mike Morris all went through early warmups before working on the side for the rest of practice.
RB Jadarian Price remained out for a third straight practice. Macdonald said Saturday that he's dealing with "lower-body soreness" and should return in a matter of days.
Saturday, Aug. 8
The Seahawks have been without rookie running back Jadarian Price the past two days as their first-round draft pick deals with a minor leg injury. His absence has given free agent addition Emanuel Wilson a chance to join George Holani with the No. 1 offense and show what he can bring to Seattle's potentially crowded backfield.
Which appears to be more than just a rugged, between-the-tackles runner.
"I'm bringing something different," Wilson said. "A lot of people think I don't got speed, but I've got a lot of speed on my end, and really just bringing a lot of power."
Case in point was one play from the Seahawks' annual practice at Lumen Field, an off-tackle run in which Wilson stuck his foot in the ground, turned upfield and showed some burst for a gain of roughly 15 yards.
No one will confuse him for Kenneth Walker III -- the explosive runner and Super Bowl LX MVP who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency -- but Wilson moves well for a back of his size.
A "heavy runner" and a "230-pound guy with great feet" was how general manager John Schneider described Wilson after Seattle signed him in March to a one-year, $1.595 million contract. Undrafted in 2023 out of Division II Fort Valley State in Georgia, Wilson spent his first three seasons as a backup with the Green Bay Packers.
Exactly where he'll fit in Seattle's post-Walker backfield remains to be seen. Price and Holani have shared first-team reps this offseason, while Wilson has usually been with the No. 2 offense. But that's all subject to change once Zach Charbonnet returns, which might not happen until late in the season even though he had ACL surgery in February.
Wilson is giving himself the best chance to factor into the mix, one way or another.
"I'm going to sound really cliché right now, but he just keeps stacking days, from where he started to where he is now," coach Mike Macdonald said. "It seems like he keeps making plays, he keeps being productive in his style of ball, which is really cool. What he brings to the table is exciting. There's a physicality, a heaviness to his game, which is fun to have on offense."
As for Price, Macdonald said he's dealing with lower-body soreness and should return soon.
"It's a minor issue right now," he said. "We'll see. It's a matter of days."
Emanuel Wilson said he has more speed than people think. Indeed, the Seahawks' free-agent addition does move well for a 226-pound back.
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) August 9, 2026
That was evident again tonight. More coming on Wilson in my notebook. pic.twitter.com/z4TzUeigAV
More observations:
At the team's annual Lumen Field practice last year, AJ Finley's bid for a roster spot came to an end when he tore an ACL. So it was meaningful for the fourth-year safety to be playing at the team's home stadium for the first time since then -- even more so when he intercepted Sam Darnold during an 11-on-11 period. "It didn't hit me until I got to the sideline, and all the boys were congratulating me," Finley said. "It's a full-circle moment. Sticking to the process and taking it day-to-day, it's been a hell of a ride. I have a lot of good people in my circle: my wife, my family. Being here [rehabbing] with the team last year, it helped me a lot. It's been a great experience."
Rodney Thomas II, another backup safety who is fighting for a roster spot, intercepted Drew Lock in 11-on-11.
Second-year tight end Elijah Arroyo continued his strong camp by hauling in a touchdown catch over starting safety Julian Love in the end zone. "If he can continue this trend of having a routine, attacking the details, making those marginal gains every day, then I think this is the type of stuff that he is capable of -- and he can take it even further," Macdonald said. "So the challenge is, keep going."
The Seahawks have an off day Sunday.
Friday, Aug. 7
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp continued his strong training camp with another touchdown, catching a dart in the end zone during an 11-on-11 period.
The 33-year-old has not looked his age this summer, moving well and appearing routinely in sync with quarterback Sam Darnold as both enter their second season with the Seahawks.
Which is to say that Kupp still has productive football left. Whenever he does call it a career, though, coach Mike Macdonald has said he has a job on Seattle's staff if he wants it.
Kupp is already something of a coach, as the first episode of "Hard Knocks" documented. It showed the 10-year veteran sitting in on quarterback meetings as the conduit of information for the receivers. The episode also featured a film session in which Kupp appeared to decipher an Xs and Os conundrum for Macdonald.
Cooper Kupp's leadership has been invaluable to the Seahawks 💯
— NFL (@NFL) August 5, 2026
Watch the first episode of Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the @seahawks now on @hbomax pic.twitter.com/sfBKla279J
"Being in the same room as Cooper Kupp, it helps us all elevate to his level," receiver Rashid Shaheed said Friday. "Not necessarily to his level, because he's so far beyond what you can expect as a receiver because he's like another coach, as 'Hard Knocks' kind of explained.
"But Cooper's amazing. Just his knowledge of the game, how he breaks things down in meetings, he's so willing to help and that's what we appreciate about him. You obviously see what he does on the field. He's a triple crown winner, Super Bowl champion for a reason. It's just great to have him around."
More observations:
The Seahawks will hold their annual practice at Lumen Field on Saturday evening. Macdonald has said the 5:15 p.m. PT start time is meant to give players -- especially the younger ones -- a sense of what it will feel like to play in primetime. Seattle has six games this season starting around that time.
Rookie RB Jadarian Price did not practice Friday for undisclosed reasons.
Thursday, Aug. 6
Dante Fowler Jr. is a newcomer to Seattle's defense, but he was hardly a stranger when he arrived in May on a one-year deal.
The 12th-year veteran has known defensive tackle Leonard Williams since 2012, when the two Florida natives took part in the Under Armour All-America Game. Fowler played for Aden Durde in Atlanta and Dallas, when Seattle's defensive coordinator was a position coach for the Falcons and Cowboys. In Dallas, Fowler was a teammate of fellow outside linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence, who took him under his wing.
Lawrence helped sell Fowler on the Super Bowl champions this past offseason. A year earlier, Fowler had discussions with Durde about potentially signing with Seattle before opting for a second stint in Dallas instead.
"I just respect the man he is," Fowler said of Durde. "He got it out the mud. He got it out the hard way. He's from London. He's not from here, and his IQ of football is just impressive. I love his passion, his intent of the game, the way he coaches his players, that's what I like the most. He demands something out of his players. He's not just telling them the X's and O's. He's going to demand it out of you."
As Fowler was lauding Durde, Seahawks players were heading out of the team's indoor practice facility after a walk-through. Williams, Lawrence and a few other defensive linemen stopped to hype Fowler up, forcing him to pause mid-sentence and laugh.
"See, that's why I'm happy to be here," he said. "Literally, right there."
The Seahawks are happy to have Fowler as a less expensive -- even if older -- replacement for Boye Mafe as the speedy complement to the power-rushing styles of Lawrence, Uchenna Nwosu and Derick Hall in their outside linebacker rotation. Mafe, 27, ranked 17th among all defenders last season with an 11.4% pressure rate, according to ESPN Research. Fowler, who turned 32 earlier this week, was 31st at 10.3%.
Fowler had 3.0 sacks in 17 games for Dallas, which was one more than Mafe had in 20 games, including playoffs. Yet Mafe got a three-year, $60 million deal from the Cincinnati Bengals at the start of free agency, and Seattle landed Fowler on a one-year, $2.5 million deal two months later.
According to a copy of Fowler's contract that was obtained by ESPN, there's another $2.5 million available in incentives tied to regular-season sacks. He would make the highest of the following amounts: $500,000 for 7.0 or more sacks, $1 million for 9.0 or more, or $1.5 million for 11.0 or more. If Seattle plays in the NFC Championship Game, Fowler will make an additional $500,000 for 9.0-plus sacks or $1 million for 11.0-plus sacks.
After three straight days of practicing for nearly 3 hours, the Seahawks held a 55-minute walk-through today. They were inside for the first time this camp, as wildfire smoke continues to impact the air quality.
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) August 6, 2026
That's Nick Emmanwori that *walks* into the frame halfway through. pic.twitter.com/UP92WVY0Ua
More observations:
After three straight days of practicing for nearly three hours outside in the heat, the Seahawks held a 55-minute walk-through indoors, with rest and recovery in mind.
Seattle signed FB Brock Lampe and waived rookie TE Lance Mason, the team announced. Lampe went undrafted out of Northern Illinois in 2025 and spent his rookie season on injured reserve with the Patriots, who waived him last month. He adds depth at FB as Robbie Ouzts remains sidelined. Coach Mike Macdonald said earlier this week that the team is trying to gather more info on Ouzts' injury. He didn't disclose what it is, but Ouzts was listed as having a neck injury during the playoffs last season.
Wednesday, Aug. 5
What does it mean to be a technician as a pass-catcher?
Jaxon Smith-Njigba provided a few examples during an almost-unstoppable performance.
In one early period, as a deep ball from Sam Darnold was on its descent, the NFL's reigning receiving champion and AP Offensive Player of the Year deked an in-phase cornerback by momentarily gearing down, creating enough last-second separation to haul in the pass uncontested. On a later touchdown catch, the Seahawks' new $168.6 million man slow-played his release on a wheel route from the slot, perfectly timing the traffic before accelerating into a void between the corner and safety. He found the end zone again on a quick slant at the goal line.
Whether he actually did make another highlight-reel grab while falling out of bounds was in question. An official called it incomplete before coach Mike Macdonald overruled him.
Either way, Seattle's 10th practice of camp was JSN's best.
"It was great to see him come alive," Macdonald said. "Some of those in high-leverage situations, too. ... There's defensive attention on where he's at at all times, too, so for him to be able to make those plays, it's great for the Seahawks, great for him."
Smith-Njigba made this kind of dominance almost routine last season on his way to a league-high and franchise-record 1,793 receiving yards, which was the eighth-highest total in NFL history. That was with Klint Kubiak calling the offensive shots. Now it's up to new coordinator Brian Fleury, a first-time playcaller, to find the best way to utilize Seattle's star receiver.
"He can get open from wherever, doing whatever, doing all the things from all the places," Macdonald said. "But how do we optimize it? How do we move him around? Where is he in the progression? He's going to be No. 1 in the progression on a lot of plays, but when is it best for him not be that? Those are the things that we're always going to be working through.
"Today was a really cool step for us and our offense."
More observations:
Tuesday's season premiere of "Hard Knocks" showed Macdonald's mic'd up reaction to the fights during Friday's practice. He was disappointed in outside linebacker Derick Hall for throwing down offensive lineman Bryce Cabeldue from behind, and he felt fullback Brady Russell crossed a line with a verbal dig he took at Hall moments later. Based on what Macdonald and Hall said Wednesday, it's all been smoothed over. "Things get out of control sometimes, but at the end of the day, we all love each other here," Hall said. "We're a team, we're a brotherhood, and at the end of the day, it happens out here, we go in the locker room and hug it out, 'Hey man, I apologize. That was beyond the line of where we are trying to go and what we're trying to get,' and we move forward. I think that's what we do really well here."
OLB Jared Ivey has returned to practice after missing several days with an undisclosed injury. Still sidelined are WR Jake Bobo, CB Julian Neal, DL Mike Morris, LBs Jamie Sheriff and Chris Paul Jr., and RB Jacardia Wright. OT Bobby Hart did not practice after going down Tuesday. Backup LB Tyrice Knight delivered a highlight play when he reached down to intercept a low pass that had bounced off the hands of WR Tory Horton. It'll he hard for Knight to reclaim the starting job he lost last season to Drake Thomas -- who played his way into a two-year, $8 million deal -- but Macdonald has sounded open to finding ways to get Knight on the field.
Tuesday, Aug. 4
As Brian Fleury prepares to call plays for the first time, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald is trying to help his new offensive coordinator by hindering him.
"Mike is doing a great job of putting me through the wringer in terms of challenging situations," Fleury said. "We go through different ones every day. For some reason, we're always down by a touchdown with 50 seconds left and no timeouts. I don't know who's burning through the timeouts, but it definitely helps me adjust to those situations."
When Klint Kubiak left to become the Las Vegas Raiders' head coach a day after Seattle's Super Bowl LX victory, Macdonald initially thought he'd likely find his next OC by promoting from within. He wanted offensive continuity, and when he interviewed Fleury -- who came from a similar West Coast system in San Francisco to what the Seahawks ran under Kubiak -- he realized how aligned they were in their vision and mentality.
It was enough to make up for his absence of playcalling experience, but as Fleury readily admits, "doing it for the first time at this level is going to present some challenges."
While much of Seattle's playbook will remain the same, one likely change will be an increase in shifts and motions. The time those can take off the play clock increases the need for an offense to operate efficiently between each snap. That begins with Fleury getting his playcalls out on time.
"I try to make it harder on myself," Fleury said. "There's a lot of thought that'll go into it beforehand, going into a game. You'll have stuff all laid out on your sheet, but I try and challenge myself at times just to think off the top of my head and see if I can get it out on time for the sake of the quarterbacks and the playcall. We're practicing all the time."
More observations:
After Riq Woolen's departure in free agency, No. 3 cornerback is among the jobs that's up for grabs on Seattle's defense. The competition is on between incumbent Nehemiah Pritchett and free agent addition Noah Igbinoghene. "I think Nehemiah's doing a great job and I think as we go, you'll see who else shows up and just wait for the opportunity," defensive coordinator Aden Durde said. "I think the games and when we go against different people, that will really show itself. When we put pads on and you have to tackle and you have to play our style, we'll find out."
Igbinoghene, a 2020 first-round pick who can play inside and on the perimeter, blew up a run play Tuesday when he blitzed from the slot. "I think he's shown up a lot on early-down football, coming up, hitting the run, doing some great things in man," Durde said. "I think he's shown some great things."
Third-round pick Julian Neal could enter the No. 3 cornerback competition, but he has missed the past week with an undisclosed injury. Macdonald has described it as a "shorter-term" issue.
Also still sidelined Tuesday were WR Jake Bobo, DL Mike Morris, LBs Jamie Sheriff and Chris Paul Jr., and FB Robbie Ouzts. RB Jacardia Wright didn't practice after injuring his foot Monday.
Monday, Aug. 3
The play of the day was one that Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald had been wanting to see.
With Seattle's No. 1 offense facing the No. 2 defense in an 11-on-11 session, Sam Darnold found Rashid Shaheed deep down the middle of the field for a touchdown. Shaheed had gained more than a step on speedy rookie cornerback Michael Dansby, and Darnold hit him in perfect stride.
"We got it thrown over our head finally, so that was a good wakeup call for us on defense," Macdonald said. "But that's definitely a point of emphasis after this first week is trying to get Rashid the ball on some of those deeper targets."
The Seahawks might not have claimed the NFC's No. 1 seed last year or won Super Bowl LX if it weren't for their midseason acquisition of Shaheed, whom they re-signed in March to a three-year, $51 million deal. But his playmaking mostly came on special teams, where he scored three return touchdowns.
His offensive production -- an average of 29.3 scrimmage yards over 12 games with Seattle -- left something to be desired, especially considering he had previously played for then-coordinator Klint Kubiak in New Orleans.
While the playbook wasn't new to Shaheed, the quarterback was, and their lack of familiarity may have played some role in the receiver's underwhelming production. Even on the biggest offensive play he made for Seattle -- a 51-yard catch in the NFC Championship Game -- their timing was off by a hair, as Shaheed had to break his stride just enough to allow the cornerback he had beaten to catch back up and prevent a touchdown.
The two couldn't connect on a pair of deep throws in the Super Bowl, one of which was sightly overthrown.
But they did on Monday.
"There's way more banked reps underneath our belt," Macdonald said of Darnold and Shaheed, who got together for throwing sessions over the summer in Southern California, where both are from. "I think both guys are in a really good place. Kind of the challenge of camp is, how far can we take it? Really, that's what we're focusing on right now, is how far can we take that relationship? How far can we take his route tree? How great of a timing can we create with those two guys?"
More observations:
Macdonald said the undisclosed injury that has kept rookie CB Julian Neal out for the last few days is a "shorter-term" issue.
Also remaining out Monday were WR Jake Bobo, DL Mike Morris, LBs Jamie Sheriff and Chris Paul Jr., OLB Jared Ivey and FB Robbie Ouzts. "We're going to try to find some more information with Robbie's situation," Macdonald said. "I'll just leave it at that right now. We'll have an update for you sooner than later."
Macdonald recently lauded CB Devon Witherspoon for continuing to bring his usual enthusiasm despite his unsettled contract situation. He gave similar praise Monday to DT Leonard Williams, who recently said that his agents and the Seahawks have talked about an extension. "To be able to manage that and still be a person that he is every day and be the asset that he is for the rest of his teammates and put the football product on the field like he is every day, it's pretty remarkable," Macdonald said. "Spoon's doing the same thing. You really just tip your cap to him, honestly."
The Seahawks got a visit Monday from San Antonio Spurs coach Mitch Johnson and several other members of that organization. Johnson is a Seattle native and Seahawks fan. Macdonald said they share an alignment in "how we want to run our programs" as well as the experience of having taken over for a legendary coach (Pete Carroll in Seattle, Gregg Popovich in San Antonio).
Among the ex-Seahawks in attendance was Duane Brown, Seattle's left tackle from 2017 to 2021. He appears to have slimmed down significantly since he last played for the Jets in 2023. Said RT Abraham Lucas: "Honestly, I had no idea that was Duane Brown. I hope I look that way when I'm done playing."
Saturday, Aug. 1
Arguably no Seahawks player has stood out in any of the first seven practices of camp as much as Elijah Arroyo did Saturday. The second-year tight end was the clear star on a good day for the offense.
It started in a red zone one-on-one period, when he caught touchdown passes on a high-point fade and a toe-tapper in the back of the end zone. In the subsequent team period, Sam Darnold hit a wide-open Arroyo down the field for another score.
It was a strong follow-up to Arroyo's performance Friday, which was highlighted by a long reception on a deep throw from QB3 Jalen Milroe.
It's one thing to make plays like that in a noncontact spring practice, when pass catchers tend to shine because defenders aren't fully contesting throws. Arroyo is doing it in the more realistic setting of training camp. Can he continue to do it when the games begin?
Drafted 50th in the 2025 draft, Arroyo was as impressive as any Seahawks rookie during the spring and summer, but it didn't translate to regular-season production. He caught 15 passes on 26 targets for 179 yards and a touchdown in 14 games, including the Super Bowl. He spent five games on injured reserve (knee) and was inactive for the NFC Championship Game after returning to the active roster.
With a first-time playcaller in Brian Fleury, Kenneth Walker III gone and fellow running back Zach Charbonnet coming off ACL surgery, there are some legitimate question marks with Seattle's offense. But whether Darnold has enough targets to throw to is not one of them -- especially if Arroyo emerges in Year 2.
More observations:
RG Anthony Bradford and LB Ernest Jones IV were back after not finishing practice Friday.
FB Robbie Ouzts did not practice.
Still sidelined are WR Jake Bobo, CB Julian Neal, DT Brandon Pili, LB Jamie Sheriff and OLB Jared Ivey.
The Seahawks have an off day Sunday.
Seattle signed LB Joseph Vaughn and waived/injured LB Ja'Markis Weston.
Friday, July 31
The Seahawks' second practice in pads brought their first fight of this year's training camp.
Actually, there were a couple, both coming during an 11-on-11 period.
Defensive tackle Leonard Williams took exception to guard Bryce Cabeldue giving a one-handed shove to safety Rodney Thomas II at the end of a play. As Williams and Cabeldue were going at it, outside linebacker Derick Hall entered the fray and threw Cabeldue down from behind.
Outside linebacker Connor O'Toole and tackle Bobby Hart got into a post-play scuffle a few minutes later.
No one appeared to be kicked out of practice as a result. When it was over, Hart and linebacker Tyrice Knight were laughing as they walked off the field together.
"That's normal," defensive tackle Byron Murphy II said of the tempers flaring. "Just guys trying to get better. It ain't nothing personal. Just guys competing. We get very intense out there. It don't mean nothing. We're all brothers at the end of the day."
More observations:
The Seahawks traded into the fifth round to draft Beau Stephens with the thought that he would give Anthony Bradford a push for the starting job at right guard. The team's rules prohibit reporting on players' reps, but it's safe to say there doesn't appear to be much of a competition at right guard, at least not yet. Bradford worked off to the side with a trainer for much of practice for undisclosed reasons. (Coach Mike Macdonald did not speak to reporters afterward.)
Also not finishing practice were linebackers Ernest Jones IV, Chris Paul Jr. and Ja'Markis Weston, as well as defensive lineman Mike Morris.
Thursday, July 30
For Byron Murphy II, last season was the breakout. Now, Seattle's 2024 first-round pick is trying to break through and leave no doubt that he belongs with teammate Leonard Williams in the conversation of the NFL's top defensive tackles.
Based on the way he's looked in one-on-ones so far in camp, he's off to a strong start. Murphy's dominance in that drill continued as the Seahawks put on pads for the first time. Murphy drove backup guard Christian Haynes into the backfield for a decisive win, then he used his quickness to beat starter Grey Zabel on consecutive reps.
"I didn't watch that drill today ... but really expect Murph to have a spike in productivity rushing the passer," coach Mike Macdonald said. "He's earned it. But he does it every day. It's great work for our offensive line. He's in a great spot."
The 16th overall pick in 2024, Murphy was plenty disruptive as a rookie but not all that productive, finishing with a half sack and one quarterback hit. He broke out with 7 sacks and 13 QB hits in last year's regular season -- before recording a pair of sacks in Seattle's Super Bowl LX win -- but was surprisingly left off the NFC Pro Bowl roster.
When ESPN's Jeremy Fowler compiled votes from league executives, scouts and coaches earlier this summer, Murphy came in as the NFL's 11th-ranked defensive tackle; Williams was No. 1.
But Murphy's talent, his trajectory and the early returns from training camp suggest he won't be outside the top 10 for long.
"I think he's been very intentional on his own development and then how he's invested his time, how he's handled his body, where he's trained, who he surrounds himself with," Macdonald said. "There's no wasted time. He's very deliberate on how he goes about his business. It's a great example for the guys. Nothing is going to change overnight, but having that deliberate process -- and we talk about stacking wins, a moment-by-moment mindset, those things come to life with Byron."
More observations:
As the man truly in charge of Seattle's defense, Macdonald doesn't always seem thrilled when the offense wins a period in practice. But he gave Brian Fleury's side of the ball its due when it picked up first downs three times while backed up at the 1-yard line. "Nice job, O!" Macdonald said.
Macdonald said this about S Nick Emmanwori and his recovery from recent ankle surgery: "He's in an adverse situation, and he's attacking it, and that's all you can ask him to do. He's made a lot of progress, which is exciting. ... He's done a great job. It's not going to be easy but he's just the man for the job."
Macdonald would not disclose injury specifics but said WR Jake Bobo and CB Julian Neal should be back soon. DT Brandon Pili, ILB Jamie Sheriff and OLB Jared Ivey are also sidelined; Macdonald did not give the impression that their injuries are long-term concerns.
Tuesday, July 28
What about the Seahawks' offense is most different under new coordinator Brian Fleury?
"The wing-T stuff that we've got in is fantastic," veteran wideout Cooper Kupp joked. "I like the dynamic of the receivers in three-point stances."
No, the Super Bowl LX champions won't be incorporating high school X's and O's into their playbook. It'll largely be the same West Coast system they ran last season under Klint Kubiak.
But there will be some new wrinkles, and if Fleury's background is any indication, one of them probably will be an increase in pre-snap movement.
"Yeah, there's a lot more motion," veteran defensive tackle Leonard Williams said. "Fullback motion, tight end motions. Sometimes the tight end is in a fullback position and vice versa. It's definitely keeping our defense on our toes, and they're switching it up a lot. Sometimes they'll motion two tight ends to one side, and they'll run the ball that way. Sometimes they'll motion two to one side and run the ball the opposite way. So you can't really guess. You've got to really just read your keys."
That kind of movement has been a staple of the 49ers' offense under coach Kyle Shanahan. Fleury spent the past seven seasons in San Francisco -- including the past four as tight ends coach -- and was helping Shanahan devise rushing plays even before adding the title of run game coordinator in 2025.
In Shanahan's nine seasons with the 49ers, they've utilized motion before or at the snap (including shifts) on 71.7% of their offensive plays, according to ESPN Research. That's the third-highest rate in the NFL in that span. Under Kubiak last season, Seattle's motion rate of 63.0% ranked 13th.
More observations:
After ending practice with an interception in the end zone on Monday, No. 3 quarterback Jalen Milroe had a much better day. His highlights included a touchdown pass to running back Jadarian Price, as well as an accurate strike to tight end Eric Saubert while rolling out to his left and throwing back across his body.
Right guard Anthony Bradford was the most impressive player on either side of the ball in one-on-ones against the defensive line. He won twice against Rylie Mills and had two more strong reps against Byron Murphy II. Seattle drafted Beau Stephens in the fifth round to push for the starting job, but Bradford remains the favorite.
Wide receivers Jake Bobo and Irv Charles, guard/tackle Josh Jones, cornerback Julian Neal and linebacker Jamie Sheriff were among the players who did not practice Tuesday.
Monday, July 27
There are questions with the Seahawks' backfield that will take time to sort out.
When will Zach Charbonnet return from February ACL surgery? In the meantime, how will the touches shake out between George Holani, Jadarian Price and Emanuel Wilson? Do they have enough explosiveness with Kenneth Walker III gone?
As for the question of how much Price can contribute in the passing game, he's starting to answer it. Seattle's first-round pick has stood out in that regard over the first three days of training camp, particularly on one play Monday.
In a 7-on-7 period, Price got open behind veteran linebacker Ernest Jones IV, then hauled in an over-the-shoulder throw from Sam Darnold deep down the field for a touchdown. Earlier in practice, he made an outstretched catch in the flat on a throw from Darnold that was slightly wide. The day before, Price slid to snag a low throw from QB3 Jalen Milroe.
Devon Witherspoon enters with his usual enthusiasm. That hasn't changed despite his contract situation dragging out longer than anticipated. He's still all energy, all the time. pic.twitter.com/cZXZtuFO8V
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) July 25, 2026
"He's good, man," Jones said with a smile. "Mature for his age, you can tell. You don't get too many words out of him, but he's working. He got me today, man. He had a hell of a route on me today. ... I think he's going to help us. He's doing everything right and he's got a great group of backs in front of him that's kind of teaching him the way."
Price caught only 15 passes over three seasons at Notre Dame while backing up Jeremiyah Love, this year's No. 3 pick. But the early returns suggest that was more a function of Love's strengths than of Price's weaknesses.
This all comes with the caveat that defenders still aren't fully contesting passes at this stage of training camp. That will start to happen when they begin practicing in pads Thursday. Coach Mike Macdonald noted that it's somewhat hard to evaluate Price this early.
"But you can see the decisiveness, you can see the movement ability, the quickness, the speed, doing a lot of great things in pass protection, which I appreciate," he said. "So, it's positive right now. Just really excited about him. He's got a great opportunity in front of him. I know [running backs coach Thomas Hammock is] coaching his tail off and so I think we're in a good spot right now. But it'll be interesting to see how it shakes out when we start getting some more realistic ... looking reps."
More observations:
Practice ended with Milroe throwing an interception in the end zone to rookie cornerback Michael Dansby, capping what was a much better day for the defense than the offense. Said Macdonald: "I'd like to finish practice a little bit better."
Tight end AJ Barner said he's "feeling really good" after his recovery from a pair of offseason surgeries that sidelined him in the spring. He avoided the physically unable to perform list to begin training camp and has practiced all three days, though it looks and sounds as if his reps are being managed early.
The Seahawks plan to waive running back Kenny McIntosh, a source told ESPN. The 2023 seventh-round pick began training camp on the PUP list while recovering from a torn ACL he sustained last summer.
Sunday, July 26
During training camp, Seahawks coaches take turns delivering a talk during the morning team meeting. Mike Macdonald had the honor Sunday, and his message centered on one of the pillars of the reigning Super Bowl champions' culture.
"Twelve as One" is Macdonald's oft-cited mantra about playing with a cohesive style. He used Michael Jordan and the 1990-91 Chicago Bulls as an example, and it resonated with safety Julian Love.
"His team meeting was on point today," Love said.
Macdonald relayed how Jordan had led the NBA in scoring for four straight years leading up to 1990-91 season, but it hadn't been enough to get Chicago past the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference playoffs. It wasn't until MJ embraced coach Phil Jackson's team-oriented triangle offense that the Bulls finally beat "The Bad Boys" in 1991 on the way to their first of six NBA titles over an eight-year span.
"The idea of Jordan being the scoring champ for years before that but still not getting over the hump of the Pistons and him being selfless enough to dial it back a little bit and understand that 'we' gets the job done, I think when you start to play ball like that -- Phil Jackson incorporated that -- that's when you see the good stuff happen," Love said. "Basically his message is, the little nugget that he gave to us was that '12 as One' is real. The more we dive into and invest into each other, the more that we'll receive out of this whole deal. It was cool little nugget. I liked his team meeting today.""
More observations:
The best catch of the first two days of camp belongs to Cooper Kupp. In a seven-on-seven period, the 33-year-old receiver got a step on cornerback Josh Jobe down the left sideline and brought in a Sam Darnold throw with one hand while falling out of bounds. "That's Cooper Kupp for you," said Jaxon Smith-Njigba. "Great concentration with the left hand, diving. You don't really see that often ... but a spectacular play and something he definitely still has in his arsenal."
Backup linebacker Patrick O'Connell turned in the other play of the day in an 11-on-11 period when he dropped into coverage and made a leaping grab to pick off Darnold.
Saturday, July 25
The Seahawks have yet to sign Devon Witherspoon to a contract extension despite making their initial offer almost four months ago. But if there is any animosity between the team and its star cornerback over the situation, it is not apparent.
As was the case during the offseason program, Witherspoon bounced around with his usual enthusiasm while taking part in the first practice of training camp. As he was signing autographs for fans afterward, coach Mike Macdonald's 20-month-old son roamed the field at his mother's side dressed in a No. 21 Witherspoon jersey.
"I can tell you this: I couldn't have any more confidence in our process and all the people involved in the whole operation," Macdonald said when asked where things stand with Seattle's efforts to extend Witherspoon's contract. "I think that's the best way to describe it. I'm just really confident right now in where we are, in Spoon and all his people and the way we do business, so I'm just confident.
"And Spoon's doing a great job. He's practicing his tail off. He's the same guy. Nothing's changed. So really, we're just operating as usual right now."
It is not clear why Witherspoon's extension has taken so long to get done, but it might be related to him sharing the same agent as New England Patriots star cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who is also in line for a top-of-the-market deal. Earlier Saturday, Patriots owner Robert Kraft told reporters that the team has offered Gonzalez an extension that would make him the NFL's highest-paid corner. That would mean a new-money average of more than $31 million per season.
More observations from the day:
Macdonald said Nick Emmanwori will not be sidelined "long term" after his recent ankle surgery. As ESPN first reported Wednesday, the second-year safety had an arthroscopic procedure after continuing to deal with soreness in his right ankle, which he sprained four days before Super Bowl LX. Macdonald playfully declined to say whether Emmanwori will be ready for the team's Sept. 9 opener against the New England Patriots, but sources have told ESPN that he's expected back by then.
The Seahawks' coach does not like to give estimates for when rehabbing players will return to play, so running back Zach Charbonnet's timetable remains unknown. But Macdonald shared a positive-sounding update regarding last year's co-starter in his return from ACL surgery in February. "He's done a phenomenal job," Macdonald said of Charbonnet, who is on the physically unable to perform list. "He's attacked the heck out of the offseason and his rehab as you would expect, and the returns have been what he's deserved. He's really put in that work. So, I'm really excited about where he is. No timetable right now, but man, he's kicking butt and he deserves a shoutout because he's a special guy."
Wide receiver Tory Horton (shin), tight end AJ Barner (ankle, shoulder) and tackle Josh Jones (undisclosed) all practiced Saturday after being sidelined during the spring.