Seattle unveils Week 3 captains for the Saints clash: Sam Darnold, Cooper Kupp, Ernest Jones IV, and Drake Thomas, highlighting a leadership-forward game plan as Seattle targets a pivotal win.

With Darnold repeating the Week 1 captaincy, Seattle signals confidence in offense command and orderly drives, while Kupp anchors the pass game and the linebackers pace the defense. A win sets up a Week 4 TNF trip to Arizona; kickoff is 1:05 p.m. PT on CBS.

Tyrice Knight’s knee injury and a medical issue leave Seattle’s linebacking corps thin for weeks, forcing the Seahawks to lean on Drake Thomas and D’Eryk Jackson during the preseason opener against Las Vegas. Thomas handled the bulk of the action in the middle, but his 47.2 overall Pro Football Focus grade reflected rough matchups, while rookie UDFA Jackson posted a sturdier 65.1. Both players finished with two tackles apiece as Ernest Jones sat out. Knight’s absence widens the gap behind him and will stretch Seattle’s depth through the next three tune-ups.

With three preseason games remaining against Kansas City and Green Bay, plus a Packers joint practice, Seattle will continue to evaluate its inside linebackers—Thomas, Jackson, Patrick O’Connell, and Michael Dowell—looking for a reliable rotational group. Knight could miss multiple weeks, but a return around Week 1 remains a possibility, giving Macdonald a clearer picture of where the depth chart stands as the season approaches.

The Seattle Seahawks enter Week 18 with no playoff aspirations, having been eliminated from contention. This scenario presents an opportunity for the team to evaluate its younger talent as they prepare for future seasons. Head coach Mike Macdonald is expected to use the game against the Los Angeles Rams to assess five key players who could play significant roles moving forward.

Quarterback Sam Howell stands out in this evaluation. His potential playing time could indicate the team’s confidence in Geno Smith's future, especially as Smith has financial incentives at stake. Howell has had limited opportunities this season, and his performance could influence the coaching staff's decisions regarding the quarterback position.

Another player to watch is cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett, who has been sidelined recently. Despite being a healthy scratch, Pritchett’s previous contributions on special teams and defense warrant a closer look, especially as the Seahawks solidify their cornerback lineup for the future.

Offensive tackle Michael Jerrell is also in a critical position. After starting earlier in the season, he has been a healthy scratch but could see action if the coaching staff opts to rest Abraham Lucas. Jerrell's performance in limited snaps could help determine his role in the upcoming seasons.

Right guard Christian Haynes, a third-round draft pick, has struggled to find playing time. With the offensive line in flux, Haynes needs another opportunity to prove his worth despite losing his starting position to Sataoa Laumea.

Finally, linebacker Drake Thomas has shown promise in limited appearances. With the inside linebacker position needing depth, Thomas could demonstrate his potential in the last game of the season, providing the coaching staff with valuable film to assess his future contributions.

The Seattle Seahawks made a surprising move by waiving starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson after their bye week, a decision that reflects their struggles on defense amid a 4-5 season. Coach Mike Macdonald emphasized the need for improvement and indicated that younger players like Tyrice Knight and Drake Thomas would have a chance to step up.

Despite leading the team in tackles, Dodson's release comes as part of a broader evaluation of the defense's performance, which has been underwhelming against the run. Macdonald clarified that the changes were not solely aimed at Dodson but were part of a necessary shift in the linebacker unit to enhance overall defensive play.

The Seattle Seahawks have waived linebacker Tyrel Dodson amid ongoing defensive struggles, currently ranking 26th in rush defense. Dodson had started all nine games this season, but his departure follows the recent trade for middle linebacker Ernest Jones IV.

With Dodson leading the team in tackles, the Seahawks now look to second-year player Drake Thomas or rookie Tyrice Knight to fill the void. This move comes as first-year coach Mike Macdonald seeks to revitalize a defense that has been underperforming.