With the preseason in the rearview mirror, the Seattle Seahawks returned to the practice field at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on Monday.
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Here are some injury updates from head coach Mike Macdonald’s post-practice media session:
• Macdonald said it remains unclear whether veteran edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu will be ready in time for the Sept. 7 season opener against the NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers. Nwosu passed his physical on Aug. 17 and is in a ramp-up phase as he works back from offseason knee surgery.
“Let’s see how it goes,” Macdonald said. “We’re still two weeks away. He looks great. He’s in great spirits. We’re on the progression, but we’ve gotta kind of play it day by day at this point.”
• Macdonald said linebacker Tyrice Knight is projected to resume fully practicing next week. Knight has been dealing with a knee injury, along with an undisclosed medial issue that he recently was cleared from.
Macdonald acknowledged that if Knight is able to return for Week 1, he could be on a snap count.
“Everything’s on the table – everything from he might not be ready, to he could possible play the whole game, or maybe we’re subbing in and out of little bit,” Macdonald said.
• Macdonald said rookie wide receiver Tory Horton is also projected to resume fully practicing next week. Horton has been sidelined with an ankle injury that he suffered in the second preseason game.
“Projected to practice fully at some point next week, so we’ll play it by ear going into the game,” Macdonald said.
• Macdonald said wide receiver Jake Bobo is in concussion protocol after a scary situation where he collided with teammate Tyler Hall while returning a punt in Saturday’s preseason finale against the Green Bay Packers.
“He’s doing great,” Macdonald said. “He’s in the protocol right now and we’ll see how it goes. But again, considering the way it looked and just watching the play in person, we’re really fortunate.”
• Macdonald said offensive guard Christian Haynes is working through a pec injury that sidelined him for Saturday’s preseason finale. Haynes entered camp in a battle with Anthony Bradford for the starting right guard job, but Bradford appeared to run away with the competition.
“We’re still working through how long it’s gonna be,” Macdonald said of Haynes’ timeline.
• Macdonald said nose tackle Brandon Pili is on a similar timeline as Knight and Horton, which would indicate he’s projected to resume fully practicing next week. Pili had a strong first two preseason games, but didn’t play in Saturday’s preseason finale. It’s unclear what type of injury Pili is dealing with.
• Macdonald said defensive end Mike Morris is in concussion protocol. He participated in last Thursday’s joint practice with the Green Bay Packers, but didn’t play in the preseason finale.
• Macdonald didn’t have an update on veteran nose tackle Johnathan Hankins, who remains on the non-football injury list with a back issue.
“He hasn’t done intense football workouts yet,” Macdonald said. “That’s probably the best I can give you in terms of a timetable. So it’s not like season-ending or anything right now.”
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