5 Takeaways From Mike Macdonald’s Press Conference Ahead of Seahawks’ Prime-Time Clash With Commanders

The Seattle Seahawks are packing their bags for another East Coast road trip — this time for a Sunday Night Football matchup against the Washington Commanders. But before the team boards its flight, head coach Mike Macdonald met with reporters to share a number of important updates regarding travel logistics, injuries, and roster plans heading into Week 9.

From receiver depth concerns to safety rotations and edge-rusher competition, here are the five biggest things we learned from Macdonald’s Friday press conference.

1. The Seahawks Will Travel Just One Day Early

The Seahawks will take a slightly different approach to their cross-country travel routine this week. Instead of departing two days early for an East Coast game — which has been the norm under recent coaching staffs — Macdonald and his staff opted to fly out Saturday for Sunday night’s game in Washington.

That may not seem like a big deal, but travel timing can influence body-clock adjustments, recovery schedules, and walk-through routines. Seattle traditionally leaves on Fridays for early Sunday kickoffs back east to combat the time difference, but this prime-time slot changes the equation.

“With Detroit [last season, on Monday Night Football], we went for two days, and we felt like it’d be smarter to go one day,” Macdonald explained. “But going west I think is a little bit different. On the primetime games — like the Christmas game — we went out early for that, too. So yeah, this is the first time [doing it this way].”

The move suggests that Macdonald and his staff are prioritizing continuity in preparation and practice rhythm over acclimation time. The later kickoff on Sunday allows the team to keep its internal clock aligned with Pacific Time for most of the week.

2. Seattle’s Receiver Depth Will Be Tested

Injuries have taken their toll on the Seahawks’ wide receiver corps, and Sunday’s matchup could force Seattle to dig deep into its depth chart.

Cooper Kupp (heel/hamstring) is officially questionable, while Jake Bobo (Achilles) and Dareke Young (quadriceps) have already been ruled out. If Kupp can’t go, that leaves just Jaxon Smith-Njigba and rookie Tory Horton as the only active receivers on the roster.

That means a likely practice-squad call-up — with Cody White the most probable candidate. White, who began the season on the 53-man roster, has been praised for his reliability and work ethic in practice.

Macdonald emphasized that this kind of situation is exactly why Seattle focuses on developing its depth year-round.

“That’s why we say it’s a ‘70,’” Macdonald said, referencing the team’s extended depth group. “That’s why we call it the Ready Squad. We’re not just trying to come up with sweet sayings — we’re trying to build a deep team that’s ready to go play at a moment’s notice.”

He went on to challenge his reserves to seize the moment.

“If those guys are called upon, they should be excited for their opportunities. You’re always competing out there. You’re trying to sharpen your craft, sharpen the other side of the ball, and stay ready for when your number’s called.”

The analogy Macdonald used was fitting for a young roster full of hungry players:

“It’s like a guy in baseball — he just keeps hitting. It’s hard to keep them out of the lineup.”

Expect White — and potentially another practice-squad elevation — to play significant roles against a physical Washington secondary.

3. Ty Okada Likely to Start Again at Safety

With Julian Love (hamstring) officially ruled out, the Seahawks will once again turn to Ty Okada in the secondary. The undrafted safety from Montana State has made four starts already this season and continues to earn praise from the coaching staff.

Macdonald said he’s been impressed with Okada’s growing confidence and disciplined play.

“My answer the last time I was asked about him was, ‘Hey, you don’t have to play every play or solve all the issues when you’re out there,’” Macdonald said. “You have to play within the scheme, play with energy, and the plays will find you. I think that’s what he’s come to understand with his style of play.”

Paired with Coby Bryant, Okada will be tasked with helping contain Washington’s vertical attack led by quarterback Sam Howell and dynamic receivers Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. His ability to stay disciplined in coverage while providing run support will be a key factor in Seattle’s defensive game plan.

4. Seattle’s Edge Rushers Are Fully Healthy — and Fully Loaded

For the first time in weeks, Seattle’s defensive front will be at full strength. Linebacker Derick Hall (oblique) has been removed from the injury report and will return to action after missing two games.

His comeback gives the Seahawks their deepest edge rotation of the season, joining Uchenna Nwosu, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Boye Mafe — a group that’s already been among the league’s most disruptive.

“It’s great,” Macdonald said about having all four edge rushers healthy. “It’s hard to just play four guys over the course of a game — really, a season. You need depth, you need rotation, especially late in games.”

The head coach emphasized that having this much talent competing for snaps is exactly what he wants.

“What’s cool about it is it’s a lot of really good players competing for plays and opportunities,” he said. “Even by being on the field, they’re competing for certain roles that we’re asking them to do. I think we have a lot of flexibility up front right now.”

Expect Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde to rotate Hall and Mafe heavily on the edges, keeping legs fresh while unleashing consistent pressure against a Commanders offensive line that has struggled in pass protection.

5. Jalen Milroe’s Role as the Emergency QB Remains Fluid

Finally, Macdonald addressed a smaller but still noteworthy roster-management detail — Jalen Milroe’s status as the emergency third quarterback.

Milroe served in that capacity during Week 7 against the Houston Texans, and Macdonald said the decision each week is primarily logistical.

“Yeah,” he said simply. “A lot of it right now is just roster management.”

Under current NFL rules, teams can designate an emergency quarterback who only becomes eligible if both the starter and backup are ruled out due to injury. It’s a small but strategic move that allows teams to maintain flexibility while protecting against in-game emergencies.

For now, Milroe continues to learn the offense behind Geno Smith and Sam Howell, providing valuable depth as Seattle’s developmental passer.

Final Thoughts

As the Seahawks prepare for their prime-time test against Washington, several key themes emerge from Macdonald’s remarks: adaptability, readiness, and depth.

Seattle’s decision to travel late reflects a staff fine-tuning its approach to scheduling. The possible receiver shortage underscores the “next man up” mentality Macdonald continues to preach. Meanwhile, the return of Derick Hall and continued rise of Ty Okada speak to the team’s long-term roster resilience — an identity that has begun to take shape in Macdonald’s first season as head coach.

Injuries and adjustments aside, this week represents an important stretch for Seattle. Sitting in the thick of the NFC playoff race, the Seahawks can’t afford a misstep. Yet if Macdonald’s calm, confident tone at the podium was any indication, the team isn’t flinching.

“We’re always competing,” he said. “That’s who we are. Whether it’s the starters, the practice squad, or the Ready Squad — everyone’s preparing to go win a football game.”

Sunday night will put that philosophy to the test.