Seahawks Get Bad News on 3 Key Defensive Backs for Jaguars Game
Friday brought some bleak injury news for the Seattle Seahawks ahead of their Week 6 matchup against the Jaguars. Before he fielded questions at his press conference after Friday’s practice, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald announced that five players are unlikely to play on Sunday against the Jaguars, including three starting defensive backs.
“All right, I’ll read our injury report for everybody,” Macdonald began his press conference by saying. “[S] Julian Love, [CB Devon Witherspoon], [CB Riq] Woolen are all doubtful. [ED] Derick Hall, [OT] Josh Jones are out.”
That’s a huge blow for the Seahawks. Love, Witherspoon, and Woolen are all starters on the back end for Seattle. Witherspoon, the No. 5 overall pick in 2023, is one of the best cornerbacks in the league. He can play inside or outside, blanketing receivers one-on-one, and he’s one of the most disruptive run defenders at cornerback in the league. On the season, he has 17 tackles, a sack, and a pass defensed in just two games.
Despite lingering trade rumors, Woolen has produced through and up-and-down 2025 campaign. The former Pro Bowler has 17 tackles and a pass defensed. Meanwhile, Love has been one of the most consistent free safeties in the league since coming over from the Giants in 2023. He has 18 tackles, a sack, two passes defensed, and a blocked kick in three games.
Hall is a key rotational edge rusher for Seattle, and he has 10 tackles on the year. Jones is the Seahawks’ swing tackle and primary backup at offensive tackle.
Seattle Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald Provides Further Injury Updates
“[S] Nick [Emmanwori] will play in the game. I’m not sure what his designation is, but he’ll play,” Macdonald confirmed. “I think it’s fair to say that everyone’s still dealing with…everything they’ve had. It’s just something he’s got to learn to play with until it’s 100 percent. But I’d say nobody’s 100 percent right now.”
The rookie second-round pick out of South Carolina was a big-time performer at the NFL Combine, showcasing his rare blend of size and speed. He’s been dealing with a high-ankle sprain that has limited him to just two games, but in those games he has six tackles, including two run stops.
Macdonald also confirmed another key defender will suit up. “[LB] Ernest [Jones] will play as well, yep.” Jones was brought over from the Rams last season and he’s been a revelation for the Seahawks. On the season, he has 40 tackles, two interceptions, three passes defensed, and a sack.
The Seattle Seahawks are in the Thick of the NFC West Race
The Seahawks are currently tied with the Rams for second in the division at 3-2. The 49ers are leading it at 4-1, overcoming an injury-riddled start to the year. Even the Cardinals are firmly in the mix at 2-3, just two games out from the lead, losing their last three games by a combined five points.
Though their schedule isn’t easy, Seattle is firmly in the mix. Outside of the Cardinals, they face only three teams the rest of the way that currently have two or fewer wins: the Texans, Titans, and Panthers. Of those, the Texans seem to be finding their groove as a team that was picked to win the AFC South in the preseason.
The road might be tough, but these Seahawks are equipped to navigate it.
Vikings WR Drops SHOCKING, Cryptic Post After Career-Threatening Injury Scare
After missing the 2024 season with an ACL tear in his right knee that he suffered in Atlanta Falcons training camp, Moore seemingly suffered another devastating knee injury, this time to his left knee, in the Vikings’ preseason opener against the Houston Texans.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell called the injury “pretty significant” after the game on August 10. However, Moore surfaced on social media the next day with a one-word message that offered a morsel of hope that Moore is alright.
On his Instagram story, Moore posted a photo of himself with the caption: “Blessed.”
Fans are waiting for an official injury report with bated breath, and Moore’s post, along with the delay, has sparked some speculation about his future.
Vikings Fans React to Rondale Moore IG Post, Pending Injury Report
GettyVikings wide receiver Rondale Moore suffered a leg injury on this play of the team’s preseason opener against the Texans.
As Moore’s post circulated on social media, many fans flocked to the possibility that his injury is not season-ending.
“I thought it might be good news cause it is taking a while for the MRI to come back,” a fan said.
“I feel as though the reason we haven’t heard about rondale Moore is because it’s not as bad as we think and they’re trying to see what the time table would be for his return,” a second fan posted.
Another fan noted that Moore did not reaggravate his right knee, which he had spent the past year recovering: “Dude deserves to catch a break. Pretty sure it wasn’t even the same knee that he injured last year, just brutal luck.”
But while Vikings fans still wait for a word on Moore’s status, many offered their condolences to the wide receiver.
“Hopefully only a sprain or something,” another fan wrote.
Praying for a great outcome,” a fan added.
Justin Jefferson Offers Rondale Moore Support After Injury
GettyJustin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings emerges from the tunnel before facing the Los Angeles Rams.
As Moore was carted off the field before halftime, Justin Jefferson spent some extra time in the locker room offering his support for the former 2021 second-round pick.
“I was right there when they carted him off, talked to a little bit in the locker room,” Jefferson said during a broadcast appearance during the game. Moments like this is difficult. It sucks to see anyone come out here and get hurt, especially on their first opportunity of the season. That’s definitely going to be a tough loss for us, but we’re going to be praying for him, having his back the whole entire way for him to get back on his feet.”
It was an unfortunate injury for Moore, who has all the athleticism and potential to be a difference-maker on the field but has struggled to stay healthy. He spoke with Purple Insider’s Matthew Coller just days before the injury, detailing his recovery process from his right knee injury.
“It was probably one of my biggest blessings in terms of being sat down and having a different approach to the game and life,” Moore told Purple Insider’s Matthew Coller in an August 6 article. “As a player you never want to be hurt and be on the couch for a year, but unfortunate things happen. I had time to reconsider a lot of things, work on my body and get healthy and learn some football. It sucked with the rehab process and not being able to play going into my contract year but I’m grateful to be in Minnesota.”
