Seahawks Set to Welcome Back Devon Witherspoon, But Secondary Still Thin as Julian Love Remains Out vs. Commanders

RENTON, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks are getting one of their biggest playmakers back for Sunday night’s primetime showdown against the Washington Commanders. After missing five of the team’s last seven games with a knee injury, Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon will make his long-awaited return to the field.

But as one defensive star returns, another key contributor remains sidelined. Starting safety Julian Love will miss his fifth straight game, one of several absences that continue to test Seattle’s defensive depth as the team prepares for the second half of the season.

Witherspoon Returns at Last

When Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald met with the media Friday afternoon at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, his tone carried a noticeable sense of optimism. The reason? Witherspoon — Seattle’s fiery young cornerback who has already made two Pro Bowls in his first two seasons — has finally been cleared to play.

“I’m excited for him. I think our team’s excited to play with him again,” Macdonald said. “He’s one of those guys that just adds great energy and competitiveness and spirit to our defense.”

The 2023 first-round pick suffered an MCL bruise in the fourth quarter of Seattle’s Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Although he finished the game and didn’t miss a snap, the injury proved more serious than initially thought. Witherspoon missed the next two games, returned in Week 4 against Arizona, then reinjured the same knee, forcing him to the sideline for another three contests.

“I felt pretty good in the Arizona game,” Witherspoon said Friday. “I don’t think anything was wrong with me, but after the game, I had to take some time off.”

For a young defense still establishing its identity under a new head coach, Witherspoon’s absence has been significant. His ability to play both outside corner and nickelback, blitz off the edge, and make open-field tackles gives Seattle rare flexibility in coverage. When he’s on the field, the entire defense looks faster, more aggressive, and more confident.

Even while injured, Witherspoon stayed engaged, offering sideline support and film room insights to teammates.

“To his credit, you felt him on the sideline when he wasn’t playing,” Macdonald said. “He and all those other guys who haven’t been playing have been awesome, helping the guys out between series and cheering them on. But it’ll be great to have him out there again.”

Love Still Out, Secondary Stretched Thin

While Seattle gets one of its defensive leaders back, the secondary remains shorthanded with Julian Love once again ruled out. Love had been expected to return after missing four straight games with a hamstring injury, but Macdonald revealed that the veteran suffered a setback last week.

“He had a little bit of a setback,” Macdonald confirmed. “We’ll see where it goes from here.”

That uncertainty could lead to a stint on injured reserve, though the team has not made that decision yet. If placed on IR, Love would miss a minimum of four additional games.

In Love’s absence, Ty Okada has filled in admirably, starting at safety alongside Coby Bryant. Despite the constant shuffling, the Seahawks’ defense has quietly held its own, allowing just 18.6 points per game, the fifth-fewest in the NFL.

“It’s the next-man-up mentality,” Witherspoon said when asked about the unit’s resilience. “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 around here — shoutout to the coaches, the players, and the staff as well.”

The Seahawks have also been without rookie safety Nick Emmanwori, who went down with a high-ankle sprain just five plays into the season opener. That combination of injuries has forced Macdonald and defensive coordinator Ryan Grubb to rely heavily on young players and backups, many of whom were thrust into starting roles far sooner than expected.

Still, the defense has shown marked improvement under Macdonald’s leadership — particularly in communication and coverage consistency. Seattle ranks in the top 10 in red-zone defense and opponent third-down conversion rate, signs of a group that’s learning how to execute under pressure.

Offensive Depth Also Tested

The Seahawks’ defense isn’t the only unit dealing with attrition. On offense, the injury report remains lengthy — and particularly concerning at wide receiver.

Seattle ruled out Jake Bobo (Achilles) and Dareke Young (hip), while Cooper Kupp is questionable after tweaking his hamstring in Thursday’s practice. Kupp had already been managing a heel issue, making it a double setback just two days before the game.

“Bobo also suffered an Achilles injury that day,” Macdonald said. “It’s not a rupture, thankfully.”

With those injuries, the Seahawks enter Sunday night with only two healthy receivers on the active roster: Jaxon Smith-Njigba and rookie Tory Horton. That lack of depth means Seattle will almost certainly elevate at least one receiver from the practice squad. Candidates include Cody White, Courtney Jackson, and Ricky White III, all of whom have been rotating through practice reps this week.

Smith-Njigba, the 2023 first-round pick from Ohio State, has started to hit his stride in recent weeks, showing improved chemistry with quarterback Geno Smith. Horton, a mid-round rookie, has impressed with his route running and physicality, but he’s still developing his timing within the offense.

Without Kupp, Seattle could lean more heavily on its tight ends — Noah Fant, Will Dissly, and Colby Parkinson — to provide balance in the passing game. Expect more two-tight-end sets and play-action concepts designed to exploit Washington’s linebackers and safeties.

Ouzts and Hall Returning Bolster Depth

There was some good news for Seattle beyond Witherspoon’s return. The team announced that fullback Robbie Ouzts will be activated off injured reserve after missing four games. Ouzts, a fifth-round pick out of Alabama, plays a crucial role as a lead blocker and special teams contributor.

The Seahawks must add him to the 53-man roster by Saturday afternoon to make him eligible for Sunday’s game. His presence could help spark the ground attack, which has been inconsistent at times this season.

Seattle will also have linebacker Derick Hall back after a two-game absence with an oblique injury. Hall’s return adds needed depth to the edge rotation, joining Uchenna Nwosu, Boye Mafe, and DeMarcus Lawrence — one of the league’s most quietly effective front-seven groups.

“It’s great to have all those guys healthy,” Macdonald said earlier in the week. “You need rotation, especially late in games. These are really good players who are all competing for plays and opportunities, and that kind of internal competition is healthy for us.”

What Witherspoon’s Return Means Strategically

One lingering question heading into Sunday is where exactly Witherspoon will line up. During his rookie season, he excelled both as an outside corner and as Seattle’s nickelback in passing situations. But with Emmanwori returning from injury and showing promise at nickel, Macdonald and defensive backs coach Karl Scott must decide how to deploy their talented secondary pieces.

“It’s unclear whether Witherspoon will resume his role as Seattle’s nickelback,” Macdonald admitted. Emmanwori has played more than 90% of the defensive snaps at that spot over the last two games and has held his own.

The Seahawks’ defensive scheme under Macdonald relies on versatility. Players like Witherspoon and Bryant can shift between inside and outside coverage, allowing Seattle to disguise looks and adjust on the fly. That adaptability will be vital against Commanders quarterback Sam Howell, who leads the NFL in pass attempts and is unafraid to challenge tight windows.

Witherspoon’s return also reintroduces Seattle’s most physical defensive back into the mix. Few corners in the league tackle with as much aggression or blitz with as much timing. His ability to pressure from the slot could disrupt Washington’s rhythm early, especially against a shaky offensive line that has allowed one of the highest sack totals in the NFL.

A Culture of Resilience

Despite an injury list that has looked more like a hospital roster at times, the Seahawks have managed to stay competitive. Their 5-2 record heading into Week 9 is a testament to both coaching adaptability and player development.

Macdonald, now in his first year as Seattle’s head coach, has emphasized process and accountability over panic. His calm, analytical demeanor has resonated with a young roster still adjusting to post–Pete Carroll life.

“I think the biggest thing is trust,” Witherspoon said. “We trust each other, we trust the coaches, and everybody’s working to get better every day. When you have that, injuries don’t shake you as much. We know whoever steps in is ready.”

That belief has shown on the field. Even with multiple defensive starters sidelined, Seattle ranks among the league’s top units in yards allowed per play and takeaways. Their situational defense — particularly on third downs — has been a key factor in several close wins.

Looking Ahead

Sunday night’s matchup against the Commanders (3-5) represents more than just another road test. It’s an opportunity for Seattle to build post-bye-week momentum and prove they can overcome adversity.

Washington’s offense, led by Howell and receiver Terry McLaurin, presents a challenge with its quick passing game and aggressive vertical routes. But the Seahawks believe their restored secondary — now with Witherspoon and Hall back — is ready.

If Seattle can control the line of scrimmage, contain Howell’s improvisation, and generate turnovers, they’ll be well-positioned to notch their sixth win of the season.

And for Witherspoon, it’s a chance to remind everyone just how special he is — and how much difference one player can make.

“I just can’t wait to be back out there with my brothers,” he said with a grin. “It’s been a long few weeks, but I’m ready to go.”