Seattle Exhales as Linebacker Ernest Jones IV Avoids Major Injury in Seahawks’ Win
Seattle breathed a sigh of relief Sunday night after linebacker Ernest Jones IV exited the Seahawks’ 38-14 domination of the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football with a knee injury. Jones was officially ruled out following the game, but Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald downplayed the long-term concern in his postgame remarks.
“It’s not season ending, but we’ll see,” Macdonald said during the press conference, as reported by multiple outlets. He added that Jones has “a bit of a knee” and may miss a game or two while the team gathers more information. Fans can expect a more formal update within the next day or two.
What Macdonald Said & What It Means
The key takeaway from Macdonald’s comments is relief. Seattle’s on-field defensive signal-caller avoided the worst-case scenario, even though the precise timeline for his return remains unclear. Phrases like “not sure of immediate timeline” and “we’ll see” signal that the organization will wait on follow-up evaluations before projecting a return date.
Practically, this means imaging and day-to-day check-ups are expected early this week. Availability updates will likely appear on the first official practice report.
For fans tracking linebacker roles: if Jones sits briefly, Seattle can lean on Drake Thomas to wear the green dot—the designation for the defensive play-caller. Tyrice Knight will factor into base and sub packages depending on the opponent and game script. This combination was already in motion after Jones left late in the first half and successfully kept the communication chain intact for the remainder of the game.
Why Jones Matters So Much
Before the injury, Jones had recorded six total tackles against the Commanders and demonstrated his usual command of Seattle’s front seven—setting run fits, checking coverages, and disguising pressure. Beyond his on-field production, Jones brings championship experience from his Super Bowl run with the Rams, a valuable piece of institutional memory that influences tight red-zone calls and third-down adjustments.
Seattle’s defensive scheme under Macdonald thrives on late movement, tight spacing, and smart leverage—elements that are more effective with a veteran communicator positioned at the second level. Without Jones for a week or two, the Seahawks can simplify the defensive call sheet, emphasize fast communication, and rely on Thomas’ leadership in the huddle while Knight covers a wider range on the field.
The Short-Term Plan
The team is expected to proceed conservatively with Jones’ recovery. If the injury truly amounts to “a bit of a knee,” there is no incentive to rush him back during November games.
Thomas has demonstrated he can handle the play-calling duties, and Knight’s snaps can adjust according to matchup needs. The coaching staff can also customize personnel packages—big nickel, 4-2-5, or heavier fronts—to protect the second level with cleaner fits up front.
The Seahawks signaled confidence in their approach by how they finished the game: the defense maintained its structure while the offense built a comfortable lead. That resilience often indicates the communication scaffolding remains intact, even when the primary signal-caller exits the field.
In summary, while the Seahawks will miss Ernest Jones IV on the field for a short period, the team’s depth, preparation, and coaching acumen position them well to weather his absence. More updates on his status are anticipated soon.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/ernest-jones-knee-not-season-ending/
