Tyrese Knight’s return to practice and Tory Horton’s rising readiness push Seattle toward Week 1 with healthier inside linebacking next to Ernest Jones. Horton’s speed could boost Seattle’s return game and short-area offense as Seattle leans on Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet to pressure San Francisco early. San Francisco counters with McCaffrey and Kittle, while Brock Purdy tests Seattle’s interior rush in a game where Leonard Williams and Dominick Puni must collapse the middle.

Key fantasy takeaways center on Seattle’s RB split, Knight’s health impact, and Seattle’s ability to ground SF’s run game to open play-action chances for Darnold and Purdy. Meanwhile, Cross and Lucas must neutralize Nick Bosa, and Seattle’s WRs—particularly Jackson Smith-N Jigba—will need to beat a relatively inexperienced 49ers secondary.

The Seahawks’ preseason arc points to a run-first identity and a deeper, more capable roster than in years past. Seattle closed out camp with a defensive edge that looked more live and a backfield that finally felt capable of consistent ground success, even as quarterback development remains a work in progress.

Seattle’s preseason opener against Las Vegas ended 23-23, a result that mattered less than what it revealed. Offense ran with tempo and variety, even when the box score won’t. George Helani flashed as a versatile back who could handle lead blocking, zone runs, and third-down duties, hinting at a potential third-down role in a crowded room. The red-zone and early-down rhythm looked aligned with Clint Kubiak’s early vision, featuring multiple personnel looks and a smoother flow than typical vanilla preseason fare.

On defense, depth at nose tackle and edge rusher showed a clearer path forward. Quinton Bohana notched a decisive tackle-for-loss, while Brandon Peely chipped in; both helped ease the Jonathan Henricks return timeline. Undrafted defenders like Jared Ivy and Conro Tulle impressed with disruption, and Jamie Sheriff’s absence due to injury shaded the depth chart at linebacker and edge. In the secondary, Shaquille Griffin’s status plus the rise of Josh Job and Nehemiah Pritchett underscored a mix of proven vets and promising youngsters as Seattle contends with roster-bubble decisions ahead of week one.

Corbin Smith’s 53-man projection leaned into Seattle’s three-QB plan, added a fourth running back, and kept a trio of top receivers in Smith-Njigba, Co op Cup?—and Horton, with Helani’s two-way capability earning a spot on both offense and special teams. The result is a roster that looks sturdy up front, uncertain at cornerback depth beyond the top four, and ready to push for timely contributions from a handful of undrafted players who could slip through waivers and land on the practice squad. The next preseason test against Kansas City should sharpen these decisions and clarify where Seattle’s edge lies as the countdown to Week 1 continues.

As the NFL Draft approaches, the focus intensifies on the San Francisco 49ers and their strategies, particularly concerning consensus in player selection. General Manager John Lynch emphasized the importance of a shared agreement among the front office and coaching staff, suggesting that past drafting struggles arose when this consensus was lacking. The upcoming draft at pick 11 could see the 49ers favoring defensive line talent, which may align with their urgent need for reinforcement in that area.

Talks around Brock Purdy's contract are heating up, with indications that negotiations may not follow traditional paths, given the team's historical context. Questions surround the extent of owner Jed York's influence, especially after a previously controversial pick, indicating a need for clarity as the team looks to secure a successful future. With the draft set to provide critical opportunities, the 49ers must capitalize on this moment.

The Seahawkers Podcast explores the exciting potential of the Seattle Seahawks under new offensive coordinator Clint Kubiak, emphasizing the players likely to thrive in his system. Kenneth Walker III stands out as a top candidate for a breakout season, with the expectations that Kubiak's outside zone run scheme will enhance his explosive running style. A strong focus is also placed on the opportunities for wide receiver DK Metcalf, as Kubiak promises to create effective plays to maximize his impact on the field. The show also discusses how offensive linemen like Charles Cross can benefit from the new play schemes, as well as the importance of a cohesive offensive strategy that can adapt to the strengths of each player.

Listeners are encouraged to keep an eye on other players like Christian Haynes and their potential development under Kubiak's guidance. The episode is filled with insight into how Kubiak's family lineage in football and experience can pave the way for significant improvements in the Seahawks' offensive execution. The discussion of Kubiak's approach and philosophy reveals a promising future for players looking to capitalize on their skills in a redefined offensive scheme.