Devon Witherspoon Returns: Seahawks Get Their Spark Back for Prime-Time Clash vs. Commanders
RENTON, Wash. — The energy in Seattle’s locker room just hit a whole new level.
After weeks of waiting, the Seahawks’ defense — one of the stingiest units in the league — finally gets its heartbeat back. Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon is officially set to return for Sunday night’s showdown against the Washington Commanders. And for a team eyeing a playoff push, his comeback could not have come at a better time.
But not everything is going perfectly in Seattle. The Seahawks are getting one of their brightest young stars back, but they’re still battered elsewhere. Safety Julian Love will miss yet another game, sidelined again with a nagging hamstring issue that just won’t go away. Several offensive weapons are out, and the receiving corps is hanging by a thread.
It’s been that kind of year — one where Seattle’s resilience is being tested week after week.
Witherspoon’s Return: The Spark Seattle Needed
It’s hard to overstate what Devon Witherspoon means to this Seahawks defense.
Since entering the league as a fiery first-round pick in 2023, Witherspoon’s impact has been electric. His blend of confidence, physicality, and football IQ instantly made him one of the NFL’s rising stars. In just his first two seasons, he’s already been to two Pro Bowls and earned a reputation as one of the most relentless defensive backs in football.
But his 2025 season hit a snag early. In Week 1 against San Francisco, Witherspoon suffered an MCL bruise in the fourth quarter — though in true “Spoon” fashion, he refused to come out of the game. He played every snap that day. Still, the injury lingered, forcing him to miss five of Seattle’s first seven games.
Now, after a long recovery and a much-needed bye week, he’s back.
“I’m excited for him. I think our team’s excited to play with him again,” said head coach Mike Macdonald. “He adds such great energy and competitiveness and spirit to our defense. Even when he wasn’t playing, you could feel his presence on the sideline.”
Witherspoon’s intensity is infectious — and the team has missed it. He’s the player who chest-bumps linemen after big stops, yells encouragement at teammates from the bench, and treats every down like it’s the Super Bowl. That’s the kind of energy Seattle’s defense thrives on.
A Defense That’s Holding the Line
Even with Witherspoon out, Seattle’s defense has quietly been one of the league’s best stories this season.
Through seven games, the Seahawks have allowed just 18.6 points per game, the fifth-fewest in the NFL. That’s despite juggling injuries at nearly every position in the secondary.
They’ve played stretches without Julian Love, Nick Emmanwori, and of course, Witherspoon. And yet, somehow, this defense just keeps showing up.
“It’s the next-man-up mentality,” Witherspoon said Friday. “Everybody has to prepare like they’re a starter because you never know when your number’s going to be called. That’s a testament to the culture we’ve built here.”
That culture is paying off. Players like Ty Okada have stepped up in Love’s absence, and Seattle’s young safeties have shown real poise under pressure. It’s not flashy — but it’s working.
Injury Bug Still Biting the Seahawks
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Seahawks injury report without a few key names listed as “out.”
Love, as mentioned, will miss his fifth straight game. The veteran safety was expected to return this week, but according to Macdonald, he suffered a setback while ramping up in practice. Seattle has not yet decided whether to place him on injured reserve, though the possibility is on the table.
“He had a setback,” Macdonald admitted. “We’ll see where that goes. Ty [Okada] will be ready.”
On the offensive side, things are looking even more thin. Wide receivers Jake Bobo (Achilles) and Dareke Young (hip) are both out, while Cooper Kupp is questionable with heel and hamstring issues. That leaves rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba and fellow young wideout Tory Horton as the only fully healthy receivers on the active roster.
Seattle may need to promote Cody White, Courtney Jackson, or Ricky White III from the practice squad to fill out the depth chart before Sunday’s prime-time kickoff.
Meanwhile, tight end Eric Saubert and guard Christian Haynes have also been ruled out.
Reinforcements Arriving: Derick Hall and Robbie Ouzts Return
The good news? Seattle isn’t just getting Witherspoon back — they’re also welcoming a few other key players into the mix.
Outside linebacker Derick Hall will return after missing two games with an oblique injury. Hall’s presence brings back valuable depth to a front seven that’s been humming lately. He’ll join forces with Uchenna Nwosu, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Boye Mafe to form one of the deepest edge rotations in the NFC.
“It’s great,” Macdonald said of having all four edge rushers available. “You need that rotation, especially late in games. What’s cool is that these are all really good players competing for plays and opportunities.”
Another addition is fullback Robbie Ouzts, who’s set to play Sunday after spending four games on injured reserve. Ouzts’ blocking ability and physical style fit perfectly with Seattle’s ground-and-pound approach, and he’ll likely be activated to the 53-man roster by Saturday afternoon.
Witherspoon’s Role on Sunday Night
The big question now: where exactly will Witherspoon line up?
In the past, the Seahawks have used him both outside and at nickelback, where his physical style allows him to blow up screens and disrupt slot routes. But with Emmanwori filling that role effectively in recent weeks, the team has a decision to make.
“It’s unclear whether Witherspoon will resume his role as Seattle’s nickelback or if we’ll stick with Nick [Emmanwori] there,” Macdonald said. “Both guys give us flexibility.”
Regardless of where he lines up, expect Witherspoon to be heavily involved from the opening snap. The Seahawks will count on his aggressiveness to set the tone against a Washington offense led by quarterback Sam Howell, who’s been inconsistent under pressure this season.
Seattle’s Playoff Push Begins Now
At 5-2, Seattle sits in prime position in the NFC playoff race — but the schedule ahead won’t be easy. With matchups looming against the Rams, Packers, and 49ers, every win matters.
Getting healthy is priority number one, and Witherspoon’s return marks a crucial step in that direction.
This defense already looked playoff-caliber without him. With him back in the mix? The ceiling gets higher.
“We’ve got a lot of guys that can make plays,” Witherspoon said with a grin. “I just want to be out there flying around, having fun, and helping the team win.”
A Culture Built on Grit and Belief
It’s easy to forget that just a few months ago, the Seahawks were being written off by most analysts. A first-year head coach. A young roster. A division featuring the defending NFC champion 49ers.
But this Seattle team — under Mike Macdonald’s leadership — has developed a distinct identity: physical, united, and relentlessly competitive.
Every player, from stars like Witherspoon to undrafted rookies like Okada, speaks about the same thing: preparation and pride.
“Everybody’s got to be ready,” Witherspoon said. “That’s just who we are.”
And on Sunday night, when the lights are bright and the country is watching, that mindset will be tested again.
The Bottom Line
The Seahawks aren’t at full strength — not even close. They’re missing key starters, fighting through injuries, and managing lineup changes week after week.
But this team has something that can’t be measured on a stat sheet: heart.
And with Devon Witherspoon back in uniform, that heart beats louder than ever.
Seattle’s defense has been one of the league’s most pleasant surprises this season. Now, with their emotional leader back in the fold, they have a chance to make a statement on the national stage.
The Commanders will get Seattle’s best shot. Because the Seahawks aren’t just looking to win — they’re looking to remind the league that they’re for real.
