The Seattle Seahawks haven’t had their complete secondary on the field since Week 4 of the NFL season, a little over one month ago, and now they’ll have to wait even longer. The team announced today that safety Julian Love is going to the Injured Reserve (IR) and will miss at least the next four games.
“Seattle (5-2) was expecting Love to return this week, but coach Mike Macdonald said he suffered a setback last week in his recovery from the hamstring injury that has already sidelined him for four of Seattle’s seven games,” Brady Henderson writes for ESPN. Ty Okada is expected to continue starting in Love’s place.
### The Loss of Love
Despite Love’s absence, the Seahawks’ defense has played exceptionally well. They are allowing just 19.4 points per game, which ranks seventh-best in the league. Seattle has proven it can win even while missing multiple star defensive players, including cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who’s set to return this week after missing five games with a knee injury.
According to mynorthwest.com, “The Seahawks haven’t had Love, two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon, and talented rookie safety Nick Emmanwori on the field together since the opening defensive series of Week 1.” As a result, the secondary has been the defense’s weak spot.
The Hawks are surrendering 230.1 yards per game through the air, ranking 22nd overall. Meanwhile, their run defense remains league-best, giving up just 75.7 yards per game. The team will have to continue overcoming Love’s absence until he returns from IR, which, at the earliest, is Week 13 against the Minnesota Vikings.
The 27-year-old safety, who made the Pro Bowl in 2023, has been a steady force in Seattle’s defense during his three seasons with the team. This season, Love has recorded 18 tackles, one sack, and two pass breakups across three games.
### Trade Deadline Decisions
It’s unlikely that Seattle will trade for a replacement safety before the November 4 trade deadline. Most trade rumors link the Seahawks to offensive linemen, particularly on the interior.
However, Love’s injury could influence Seattle’s approach to cornerback Riq Woolen, who has been the target of trade speculation for months. Woolen’s up-and-down play and the fact that he is entering the final year of his rookie deal have fueled rumors. Despite Love missing most of the season, GM John Schneider may opt to keep the secondary as intact as possible following this latest setback.
### Seattle’s Other Roster Moves
The Seahawks also announced that tight end Eric Saubert will go on IR with a calf injury. Saubert has appeared in five games this season, primarily serving in a run-blocking role. He has recorded one reception for 12 yards this year.
Brady Henderson provided details on other roster moves made by Seattle:
> “The Seahawks on Saturday also activated rookie fullback Robbie Ouzts off IR and signed safety Jerrick Reed II from their practice squad. They elevated receivers Ricky White III and Cody White from the practice squad for the Commanders game, reinforcing their receiver corps amid injuries to Cooper Kupp (questionable with heel and hamstring issues), Dareke Young (out with a hip injury), and Jake Bobo (out with an Achilles injury).”
Additionally, the Seahawks will get cornerback Devon Witherspoon back on Sunday night after he missed five games with a knee injury. Seattle’s secondary has been fully intact for only five plays this season, as rookie safety Nick Emmanwori also went down on the first drive of the opener with a sprained ankle, sidelining him for the next three games.
As the Seahawks face ongoing injuries, they will need to rely on depth and adaptability to maintain the strong defensive performance that has kept them competitive this season.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/seahawks-lose-star-in-devastating-blow/
