The Seattle Seahawks are a step closer to being at full strength on offense.
Rookie fullback Robbie Ouzts has been designated for a return to practice, the team announced Monday afternoon.
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Ouzts has been out of action since suffering an ankle injury in Seattle’s Week 3 victory over the New Orleans Saints, which landed him on injured reserve.
A fifth-round pick out of Alabama in April’s NFL Draft, Ouzts transitioned from tight end to fullback this offseason. A native of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Ouzts was the Seahawks’ primary fullback and played a key role on special teams in the first three games of this season.
The 23-year-old Ouzts is 6 foot 3 and weighs 274 pounds. He has not registered a carry or been targeted as a receiver this year.
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Ouzts doesn’t have to be added back to the 53-man roster to practice, but he must be activated before a maximum of 21 days passes after his designation to return. If he isn’t added to the roster by then, he must remain on IR for the rest of the season.
Coming off their bye Sunday, the Seahawks are 5-2 and tied with the LA Rams atop the NFC West. In addition to Ouzts’ expected return, head coach Mike Macdonald said last week the Seahawks expect the returns of cornerback Devon Witherspoon, safety Julian Love and outside linebacker Derick Hall for their Sunday Night Football matchup against the Washington Commanders (3-4).
Radio coverage of Sunday’s 5:20 p.m. game will begin on Seattle Sports at 2 p.m. with the pregame show.
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