RENTON — AJ Barner played in 45 games in college and before last week had appeared in another 26 NFL games since being drafted by the Seahawks.
And over those 71 combined games, Barner had never seen double-digits next to his name under the column of “receptions” until last Sunday when he caught a career-high 10 passes in the loss to the Rams.
“I’m at the point now where it’s like, I’m just going to go play and if the ball’s thrown to me 10 times, I’m going to catch it 10 times. If it’s thrown to me one time, I’m going to catch it one time,” Barner said. “I’m just going to contribute however I can to help us win.”
Barner’s development as a pass catcher — and occasionally lining up under center as a short-yardage runner — has been one of the surprising developments of this season for the Seahawks.
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Consider that Barner had 30 receptions on 38 targets a season ago as a rookie playing in all 17 games. It took just 10 games for him to surpass that total in receptions this season, now with 31 after his 10 catches for 70 yards against the Rams.
His previous high in the NFL came earlier this season when he had seven receptions in the loss to Tampa Bay. In college, Barner’s best game was eight catches for 99 yards for Michigan against rival Michigan State, and he wasn’t sure if he ever got to double digits in receptions while playing in high school in Ohio.
“My room has a bunch of playmakers in it and anytime you get your opportunity, you’ve just got to make a play with it,” Barner said. “So, third down, second down, first down, whatever the case is, being able to get open for the quarterback, especially underneath there too, when his eyes come back down. So like I said, being in the right spot and presenting a picture to the quarterback that you’re ready for the ball is important.”
Barner knows he’s not going to be the first option on most pass plays. There’s patience that’s required, understanding that it might take some time before Sam Darnold gets back to him.
“If you’re a second or third read the quarterback’s not on you first, it’s going to take some time for him to get through to where you’re at,” he said. “So, being patient, knowing who you’re working against in those situations, and then when his eyes do find you, being ready for the ball.”
While last week was mostly successful as a pass catcher, he was stuffed on a third-and-one sneak on the third quarter and the Seahawks were forced to punt. It was the first time this season Barner failed to gain at least 1-yard on his QB sneak.
“We did not execute as an offense: coaches, players, we were not on the same page. Missed opportunity,” offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak said.
Zabel back to practice
Could rookie left guard Grey Zabel be on the verge of playing Sunday against the Titans after appearing to suffer a possibly significant knee injury last week?
It seems possible after Zabel was a limited participant in practice on Thursday. Zabel sat out the first practice of the week on Wednesday, but was able to get back on the field for some work a day later.
“He’s tough. You see him on the sideline after the game, you see the look in his eye, you ask him how he’s doing and you can just tell the way he looks at you, way he talks to you that he’s going to get back as soon as he can,” Kubiak said. “So that’s been something really impressive from him all along and obviously something that’s been developing into him at a very young age. And we’re really lucky to have that on our offense.”
Linebacker Tyrice Knight (concussion) did not participate for a second consecutive day, almost assuredly keeping him out for Sunday as part of the league’s concussion protocols. Rookie WR Tory Horton (shin) and FB Robbie Ouzts (non-injury related — personal) were also DNP for the second straight day.
Safety Coby Bryant (foot) was back to being a full participant after being limited on Wednesday.
45 sticker
The Seahawks announced they will wear a No. 45 sticker on the back of their helmets for the rest of the season in honor of Hall of Fame safety Kenny Easley, who passed away last Friday.
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Easley played his entire career with the Seahawks, was a three-time first-team All-Pro selection and the 1984 NFL defensive player of the year.
Gaskin out, Kramer in
With some of the injury uncertainty on the offensive line, the Seahawks signed center Doug Kramer Jr. to the practice squad on Thursday and released former UW star running back Myles Gaskin to clear the roster spot.
Kramer was a sixth-round pick of the Bears in 2022 and after spending his rookie season on injured reserve appeared in 18 games over the past two seasons with Chicago. He was waived by the Bears before the start of this season with an injury designation.
Kramer did not start of the 18 games he played in for Chicago. But with Jalen Sundell out, Olu Oluwatimi starting at center and Christian Haynes potentially filling in at left guard, the addition of Kramer at least gives the Seahawks some depth options at center.
Gaskin was signed to the practice squad for the second time this season on Oct. 30. He had yet to be elevated for a game this season.
Tim Booth: Tim Booth is a sports reporter at The Seattle Times, where he covers the Kraken and the ongoing story surrounding possible NBA expansion and helps with coverage of the Seahawks and Mariners.