A major shake-up is underway for the Seattle Seahawks, with a wave of roster moves that will impact their season. The team has announced some crucial changes, and one of the most significant is the loss of rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo for the remainder of the regular season.
Arroyo, a second-round pick, suffered a knee injury during the game against the Atlanta Falcons. He was targeted by Sam Darnold in the second quarter, but the play ended with an interception, and Arroyo was seen limping. This injury has placed him on the injured reserve list, meaning he must sit out a minimum of four games before even being considered for a return. With the regular season winding down, his earliest possible comeback would be the playoffs - if he's able to return at all.
During his time on the field, Arroyo made an impact, catching 15 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown, filling the role of TE2 behind A.J. Barner. But here's where it gets controversial: the Seahawks have quickly filled his spot with the return of veteran Eric Saubert, who has just been extended. Saubert, along with center Jalen Sundell, is back from injured reserve, and both are expected to be available for the upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts.
In other news, rookie defensive lineman Rylie Mills is finally on the active roster after missing the entire offseason and the first 13 games of the regular season due to an ACL tear suffered last December at Notre Dame. Mills' injury occurred in college, so he was placed on the non-football injury (NFI) list, which has some important implications.
As a correction to previous reports, Mills' NFI status means he doesn't count against the Seahawks' injury designation limit for the regular season. The team has eight slots for injured reserve players, but Mills' NFI status means they still have two spots left for the regular season. This is crucial, as there are four players who could return before the playoffs: Dareke Young, Tory Horton, George Holani, and Chazz Surratt. Even with the two bonus spots for playoff teams, the addition of Arroyo means at least one Seahawks player will miss the entire season.
Lastly, the Seahawks have made some changes to their practice squad, signing cornerback Shaquill Griffin and running back Cam Akers. In corresponding moves, Myles Gaskin and wide receiver Jimmy Holliday were released. Griffin and Akers were previously on the active roster but were waived to make room for Saubert and Sundell. Running back/kick returner Velus Jones Jr. has been activated for the Colts game and will likely be the RB3 behind Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet.
So, what do you think about these roster moves? Do you think the Seahawks have made the right decisions to prepare for the playoffs? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
