Just when the Seattle Seahawks believed their secondary was on the verge of returning to full strength, a wave of uncertainty has struck once again. The optimism that surrounded the return of several key defensive players has been tempered by the news that free safety Julian Love has suffered a setback in his recovery from a lingering hamstring injury—a development that could sideline him for several more weeks.
Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed the news during his midweek press conference, admitting that the team is now considering placing Love on injured reserve (IR). That move would keep the 27-year-old safety out for at least four games, adding another challenge to a Seahawks defense already struggling to find its rhythm midway through the 2025 season.
“Julian had a bit of a setback with his hamstring last week,” Macdonald told reporters on Wednesday. “He won’t practice today, and his game status right now is in jeopardy. We’re still working through that as the week progresses.”
Love’s injury is especially frustrating given the timing. Seattle had just returned from its bye week, and the hope was that the extra rest would allow several players—Love among them—to fully heal. Instead, it appears his recovery has gone in the opposite direction.
A Leader Sidelined
Julian Love’s presence on the field extends far beyond his numbers. Known for his leadership, communication skills, and high football IQ, Love has been one of the emotional anchors of Seattle’s secondary. Since joining the Seahawks in 2023 after four seasons with the New York Giants, he’s been a model of consistency and reliability.
In his first two years with the franchise, Love didn’t miss a single game. He appeared in all 34 regular-season contests, racking up over 200 tackles, four interceptions, and three sacks during that span. His performance in 2023 earned him a Pro Bowl alternate selection, and he quickly became a fan favorite for his hard-hitting style and ability to make clutch plays in the open field.
That reliability has made his recent absence even more noticeable. Love has played in only three games this season, tallying 18 tackles, two passes defended, and a sack before aggravating his hamstring. He’s missed significant time since Week 4, when he last appeared in the team’s narrow 23-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
“It’s tough not having him out there,” said fellow defensive back Quandre Diggs, who has taken on additional responsibilities in Love’s absence. “He’s one of those guys who keeps everyone aligned, and you feel his presence when he’s on the field. When he’s not, there’s definitely a void.”
The Rise of Ty Okada
While the Seahawks have struggled to maintain defensive consistency, one bright spot has been the emergence of Ty Okada. The undrafted safety has filled in for Love during his absence, and his Week 8 performance against the Houston Texans may have been his best yet.
In that 27-19 win, Okada recorded nine tackles, one sack, and a pass defended, helping stabilize a defense that had been torched in previous weeks. His physicality and awareness have earned praise from coaches and teammates alike.
“Ty has stepped up in a big way,” head coach Mike Macdonald said. “He’s learning every week, and the experience he’s getting right now is invaluable. We’re not trying to replace Julian—that’s not realistic—but Ty’s done a great job being ready when called upon.”
For Okada, the opportunity represents the culmination of perseverance. After spending much of last season on the practice squad, he’s made the most of his increased snaps. If Love is moved to injured reserve, Okada will likely continue as the starting free safety, supported by veterans Diggs and Jamal Adams (who’s been working his way back from multiple injuries).
Injuries Piling Up
Love isn’t the only Seahawk battling health concerns. Wide receiver and return specialist Dareke Young is also under consideration for injured reserve after sustaining a hip injury in the same game against the Texans. Young did not practice this week, and Macdonald noted that the team is monitoring his condition closely.
To prepare for a potential absence, Seattle signed former Chicago Bears wideout Velus Jones Jr. to the practice squad as a contingency option. Jones, known for his speed and special teams experience, could be elevated to the active roster if Young is sidelined.
“He helps us in the return game and on special teams,” Macdonald explained. “He’s got great speed and versatility. We felt his impact when we played against him, and we’re excited to see what he can bring.”
Meanwhile, there are encouraging updates regarding cornerback Devon Witherspoon and linebacker Derick Hall. Both players returned to practice this week after extended absences—Witherspoon from a hamstring injury of his own and Hall from an oblique issue. Their return could provide much-needed reinforcements for a defense that has struggled with communication breakdowns and inconsistent tackling.
The State of Seattle’s Defense
Seattle entered the season with high expectations for its defense under first-year head coach Macdonald, who was heralded for his success coordinating the Baltimore Ravens’ top-ranked unit in 2023. But halfway through the year, the Seahawks have struggled to replicate that success.
Injuries have certainly played a role. Love’s absence, combined with early-season issues in the secondary and limited availability of key pass-rushers, has left the defense disjointed. The Seahawks currently rank near the bottom of the league in passing yards allowed and third-down defense, two areas that Love’s presence typically helps stabilize.
Macdonald has been proactive in addressing these issues. In recent weeks, he’s spent additional time working directly with the defensive backs, emphasizing fundamentals and communication. Still, he admits that the team’s depth is being tested.
“We’ve had to shuffle a lot of guys around,” Macdonald said. “It’s part of the game, but it does make continuity a challenge. You build trust through reps, and when you don’t have your full group together, it takes time to get that rhythm back.”
The Human Toll of Injury
For players like Julian Love, being sidelined is as much a mental battle as a physical one. Athletes who thrive on competition often struggle when forced to watch from the sidelines, unable to contribute.
Love’s work ethic and commitment to recovery have drawn admiration from teammates. Even while injured, he’s remained active in meetings, offering guidance to younger players and helping Okada adjust to the demands of the starting role.
“Julian’s been incredible,” said Okada. “He’s constantly in my ear—helping me understand tendencies, reading formations, little things that make a difference. He’s a leader even when he’s not on the field.”
That leadership will continue to be crucial in the coming weeks. If Love is placed on IR, the earliest he could return would be Week 13 against the Minnesota Vikings. For now, the Seahawks must navigate a critical stretch of games without him as they try to stay competitive in the NFC West.
Looking Ahead: A Critical Stretch
Seattle’s next few games could define its season. The team faces a tough stretch that includes matchups against the Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions. With the defense struggling and the offense still finding its identity under quarterback Sam Darnold, every mistake could prove costly.
Darnold, who was listed on the injury report this week with a chest issue but practiced fully, acknowledged that the team’s defense has been under immense pressure.
“We’re all in this together,” Darnold said. “We know we’ve got to do a better job sustaining drives and keeping the defense off the field. Losing guys like Julian hurts, but we trust the next man up.”
Seattle’s pass rush may also see some adjustments. Defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt has been experimenting with rotational alignments, using younger players such as Boye Mafe and Derick Hall in different packages to compensate for injuries along the front. The goal is to generate more consistent pressure—something that could help relieve stress on the secondary until Love returns.
Christian Haynes Returns to Practice
There was at least one piece of positive news on Wednesday: the team designated rookie guard Christian Haynes to return from injured reserve. Haynes, who missed the first seven games with a pectoral injury, returned to practice and could be activated in the coming weeks.
Macdonald praised Haynes for his resilience but emphasized that he’ll need to earn his way back into the rotation.
“He put himself in a position to compete at guard before he got hurt,” Macdonald said. “Anthony [Bradford] and Grey [Zabel] have been playing well, so Christian will come back in a backup role and continue to compete.”
Balancing Optimism and Realism
The Seahawks’ situation reflects the delicate balance every NFL team must strike between optimism and realism. On one hand, the return of Witherspoon, Hall, and potentially Haynes provides reasons for hope. On the other, the uncertainty surrounding Love—and the possibility of losing Young—underscores how quickly fortunes can change in a league defined by physicality and attrition.
For now, Seattle’s focus remains on preparation. The team has been cautious not to rush Love’s recovery, but the temptation to accelerate his return will undoubtedly grow if the defense continues to struggle.
“We’re going to do what’s best for Julian and for the team,” Macdonald said. “He’s a competitor—he wants to be out there—but we’ve got to make sure he’s healthy enough to stay out there once he returns.”
As the Seahawks head into their Week 9 matchup against Washington, they do so with a mix of determination and caution. The road ahead won’t be easy, but as they’ve shown in flashes this season, resilience has become part of this team’s identity.
For Julian Love, the coming weeks will be about recovery and patience. For the Seahawks, they will be about perseverance and adaptation—hallmarks of any successful NFL season.
Whether or not Love returns in time to help Seattle make a postseason push remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his leadership, professionalism, and impact will continue to be felt, even from the sidelines.
