Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald Shares Major Update on LB Derick Hall
The Seattle Seahawks have had one of the best defenses in the league all season long despite some significant injuries on that side of the ball. Now, after battling through bad injury luck through the first six weeks of the season, health might be starting to turn the Seahawks’ way.
CB Devon Witherspoon, CB Riq Woolen, and S Julian Love are all expected to play against the Texans on Monday night. Guys like ED DeMarcus Lawrence and ED Uchenna Nwosu, who have dealt with injuries of their own earlier in the year, are also healthy and ready to go.
It sets up well for a critical home tilt against the surging Texans. The Seahawks are trying to keep pace with the 49ers and Rams in the extremely competitive NFC West division, and the Rams won on Sunday morning against the Jaguars in London to move to 5-2 on the year. Seattle would benefit greatly from a win Monday night, especially as their schedule toughens down the stretch.
Seattle Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald on the Health of ED Derick Hall

Rio Giancarlo/GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 03: Derick Hall #58 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts during the third quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on November 03, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images)
Not every injured Seahawk is expected back against the Texans. ED Derick Hall has already been ruled out of Monday night’s game as he continues to battle an oblique injury. He did not practice all week.
On Saturday, Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offered an update on Hall’s status. “He’s coming along, you know,” Macdonald said. “He’s not going to play in this game, but we should expect him back after the bye.”
That’s great news for Seattle’s pass rush. Hall, a second-round pick out of Auburn in 2023 draft, has 10 tackles and two sacks on the season. After struggling somewhat as a rookie, Hall came on strong in his second season, with 37 tackles, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. Until this season, Hall hadn’t missed a game in his NFL career.
The Seattle Seahawks are Locked in a Tight Divisional Battle
As previously mentioned, the Seahawks are in the midst of a serious battle for the NFC West. The Rams, who won on Sunday morning, are the current leaders at 5-2. The Seahawks and 49ers are just half a game behind at 4-2, while the Cardinals have lost four games by a total of nine points to sit at 2-4.
Seattle is 1-1 against divisional opponents, dropping their season opener to the 49ers and beating the Cardinals a few weeks ago on Thursday Night Football. Coming up, the Seahawks face the Texans, Commanders, and play the Cardinals again in their next three games.
After that, Seattle has two games against the Rams, as well as showdowns with the Colts, Vikings, and Falcons left on their schedule. It won’t be easy, but the Seahawks have an elite defense and one of the NFL’s premier quarterback/wide receiver connections in Sam Darnold to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. They’re very much a threat to win it and get one of the top seeds in the NFC.
Saquon Barkley Opens Up: 'The Most Painful Thing Isn’t Being Rejected, It’s Not Being Recognized For What I’ve Given'

In a heartfelt interview, Saquon Barkley, the standout running back for the New York Giants, opened up about the emotional toll of feeling undervalued and unappreciated, despite his relentless efforts on the field. Throughout his career, Barkley has consistently been one of the most talented and productive players, yet he reveals that the pain of not being properly recognized for his contributions has been the hardest part of his journey. His candid comments have sparked a conversation about the need for true recognition and respect for athletes, not just in terms of statistics, but also for their off-field contributions and sacrifices.
Desire for Recognition:
Saquon Barkley has given his heart and soul to the New York Giants, providing consistent performances that have captivated fans and left a lasting impact on the team. However, despite his tremendous efforts, Barkley feels as though he has not been acknowledged in the way he deserves. He has felt like a key piece to the puzzle, yet when it comes to respect and recognition from the higher-ups, he has been left wanting.
In an emotional reflection, Barkley explained, “When you give your heart and energy to a team, you expect to be valued. But sometimes, you feel like you’re just a pawn in a bigger game. That’s the most painful thing – it’s not being rejected, it’s not being recognized for what I’ve given.”
This statement speaks volumes about the struggle that many athletes face: the desire for genuine acknowledgment. Barkley’s pain comes not from rejection, but from the feeling of being overlooked and undervalued despite all the hard work and dedication he has poured into the game.
The Feeling of Being Taken for Granted:
For Barkley, the feeling of being used and not truly appreciated is a tough pill to swallow. It’s not just about the game and the wins; it’s about the emotional and mental investment that goes into being an athlete at the highest level. Barkley has given his all to the Giants, yet the lack of recognition for his sacrifices has weighed heavily on him.
His comments reflect the internal battle that many athletes face when they are not given the respect they deserve. It’s not about lacking talent; it’s about not being treated with the respect they’ve earned through years of dedication and hard work. Barkley, in many ways, has represented the essence of the team, but he has yet to see that reflected in how he is valued.
The Drive for Respect:
Despite the pain and frustration, Barkley has not let this lack of recognition define him. Instead, he has used it as fuel to drive him forward. Rather than letting the lack of respect hold him back, he has chosen to prove his worth by continuing to push himself and show the world just how valuable he is.
Barkley continued, “I’m not going to let myself be held back. I know my worth, and I’ll continue to prove that.” His resilience and determination are a testament to his character. Barkley is not one to back down or shy away from challenges. He has been through adversity before and has emerged stronger. Now, he is determined to continue his journey, not only for himself but for the fans who believe in him and the team he represents.
Conclusion:
Saquon Barkley’s journey is one of grit, passion, and unwavering dedication. While he may feel overlooked at times, his resolve remains unshaken. For athletes like Barkley, the fight is not just for the recognition on the field, but for the respect that should come with their contributions. As he continues to prove his worth, Barkley’s story is a reminder of the importance of recognizing athletes not just for their on-field accomplishments, but for the sacrifices and heart they pour into the game.