The Seattle Seahawks’ defensive unit continues to face challenges. For the upcoming game against the Jaguars in Jacksonville on Sunday, the team’s secondary situation does not improve.
Key Defensive Losses
The Seahawks have listed cornerbacks Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen, along with safety Julian Love, as questionable for the game. In addition, the team has ruled out outside linebacker Derick Hall (oblique) and backup tackle Josh Jones (ankle).Despite these setbacks, there is positive news. DeMarcus Lawrence is returning from a quadriceps injury that kept him out last Sunday. Rookie safety Nick Emmanwori, who was on the injury report for a sprained ankle, has no designation for the game and has fully participated in practice.The Seahawks’ secondary hasn’t been complete since the first game of the season. If Love, Witherspoon, and Woolen don’t play on Sunday, it will be the fourth time in six games that Seattle will be without multiple key players on defense.Witherspoon has only played two games due to a medial collateral ligament contusion suffered in the first game, while Love has participated in only three due to a hamstring injury. Woolen left the game against Tampa Bay with a concussion and, although he practiced all week, did not pass the league’s concussion protocol.Shaquill Griffin in the Game Plan
Coach Mike Macdonald has confirmed that veteran cornerback Shaquill Griffin will be part of the game plan for Sunday, implying that he could be promoted or signed from the practice squad. It is not yet clear whether Griffin or Nehemiah Pritchett will start alongside Josh Jobe. Derion Kendrick has been playing as a nickelback in the absence of Witherspoon.Griffin, a nine-year veteran with a Pro Bowl selection on his record, began his career with the Seahawks and returned to Seattle this summer on a one-year contract. He has only played one game this season.Regarding the Jaguars, starting center Robert Hainsey (hamstring) is questionable.I love having Shaq out there because he competes. He attacks everything mentally. He knows it. He has a great attitude and he competes. We can go to the games with that, for sure.
Mike Macdonald
