Kansas City rests a cluster of veterans in Week 2 of the preseason against Seattle, clearing a path for depth players and late-round prospects to audition behind Hollywood Brown, Briningstool, Deon Bush, Janarius Robinson, Ethan Driskell, and Kareem Hunt. Seattle mirrors the strategy, listing Olu Oluwatimi, Josh Ross, Charles Cross, Kenny McIntosh, Johnathan Hankins, Uchenna Nwosu, and Tyrice Knight as not expected to play. In such games, the fantasy angles shift toward the players fighting for backups, special-teams roles, and breakout opportunities in a game-script that emphasizes depth over stars.

With Brown and Hunt sidelined, Chiefs reps at wideout and backfield become more unpredictable, elevating backup receivers and rotational backs into potential late-round fantasy dice rolls. Seattle’s inactive list creates a similar vacuum along the offensive line and linebacking corps, where a few veterans could be eased in or pushed to star in a run-heavy, evaluative environment. Those watching for fantasy return value should focus on the depth chart movers who flash in extended opportunities, as preseason reps often foreshadow emerging roles come the regular season.

Keep in mind preseason inactives are subject to change and aren’t formalized the same way as regular-season lists. Rosters and playing time can shift an hour before kickoff, underscoring the value of quickly updating projections as the game unfolds.

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 have made significant adjustments to their linebacker core during the 2024 season, particularly under head coach Mike Macdonald's leadership. Initially starting with Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson, the team's performance prompted a shake-up. Baker's early struggles led to his trade to the Tennessee Titans for Ernest Jones IV, while Dodson was released and replaced by rookie Tyrice Knight. The new duo of Jones IV and Knight proved to be effective, culminating in Jones IV receiving a lucrative contract extension. As Knight enters his sophomore year, expectations are high for further improvement, indicating a promising future for the Seahawks' defense.

The Seattle Seahawks are plotting an intriguing path for the 2025 NFL Draft, with an eye towards rejuvenating their receiving corps and shoring up their offensive line. NFL analyst Chad Reuter proposes that Seattle should select Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan with their first-round pick at No. 18, particularly after DK Metcalf's trade request. This change would add a dynamic 6-foot-4 receiver to complement Jaxon Smith-Njigba and the recently acquired Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, allowing Seattle to diversify their offensive attack.

Furthermore, the Seahawks' second-round pick could be a bold move for Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, raising questions about the team's commitment to recently signed Sam Darnold. Rounding out their draft strategy, Seattle is projected to grab William & Mary offensive tackle Charles Grant to address the right tackle position, alongside Oregon's versatile tight end Terrance Ferguson and Memphis linebacker Chandler Martin to enhance their offensive and defensive depth.

The Seattle Seahawks completed their first season under head coach Mike Macdonald, showcasing a rookie class that received a 'C+' grade from NFL.com. Defensive standout Byron Murphy made notable contributions, especially against the run. His presence aided Leonard Williams, who enjoyed a career year. However, expectations for Murphy, the 16th overall pick, were not fully met as he lacked the impactful plays anticipated for a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate.

In contrast, fourth-round selections Tyrice Knight and AJ Barner exceeded expectations. Knight emerged as a key defensive player, especially in the latter half of the season, while Barner forged a solid connection with quarterback Geno Smith, securing four touchdown receptions. Despite finishing 19th in rookie class rankings, the Seahawks aim for improvements in 2024 and beyond, needing their new draft class to compete effectively for playing time.