Seahawks Designate Christian Haynes for Return, Add Velus Jones Jr. to Practice Squad

RENTON, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks took a step toward reinforcing their offensive line depth this week, designating second-year guard Christian Haynes to return to practice. The move officially opens a 21-day window for the team to evaluate his readiness before deciding whether to activate him from injured reserve.

Haynes, a 2024 third-round draft pick (No. 81 overall) from Connecticut, had been sidelined for the first eight weeks of the 2025 season after suffering a pectoral injury during training camp. His return represents a potential boost for a Seattle offensive line that has faced a revolving door of injuries and lineup changes throughout the first half of the season.

Building Back the Line

Haynes entered training camp as one of the Seahawks’ most promising young linemen and a strong contender for the starting right guard job. Coaches also gave him reps at center during the preseason, hoping to expand his versatility across the interior line — a theme that has become increasingly important given Seattle’s ongoing health challenges in the trenches.

A model of consistency during his college career, Haynes started 49 consecutive games at UConn and earned first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors in both 2022 and 2023. Known for his powerful base and disciplined hand technique, he brought a reputation for toughness and reliability that quickly stood out to Seattle’s coaching staff.

The Seahawks’ interior line has struggled to find that same continuity this fall. Veterans Anthony Bradford and Evan Brown have rotated between guard and center due to a combination of injuries and inconsistent performance, while the tackle duo of Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas has also missed time. As a result, Seattle has used five different starting combinations on the offensive line in seven games.

With Haynes returning to practice, the coaching staff will monitor his conditioning and ability to absorb contact after nearly three months off the field. Head coach Mike Macdonald did not specify a timeline for activation but emphasized the importance of easing Haynes back into live competition.

“He’s worked hard through the rehab process,” Macdonald said Wednesday. “We’re excited to get him back out there and see where he’s at physically. Any time you get a player of his caliber returning, it gives you options and competition, which is what you want on the offensive line.”

Internal Competition Heating Up

Before his injury, Haynes was projected to challenge Anthony Bradford for starting reps at right guard. Bradford, a 2023 fourth-round pick, has been durable but inconsistent in pass protection this season, drawing scrutiny from both coaches and fans.

Seattle’s pass-blocking unit ranks 22nd in adjusted sack rate, according to Pro Football Focus, and quarterback Geno Smith has been pressured on more than 35% of his dropbacks — one of the highest rates in the NFC. The interior line’s struggles have been a major factor in the team’s uneven offensive rhythm, particularly in third-and-long situations.

Haynes’ return doesn’t guarantee an immediate change in the starting lineup, but it gives Seattle flexibility to mix personnel or rotate linemen depending on matchups. His ability to anchor against power rushers could be especially valuable as the Seahawks prepare to face defensive fronts like those of the Commanders, 49ers, and Eagles in the coming weeks.

“He’s a physical player, and that’s something we’ve needed a bit more of inside,” offensive line coach Andy Dickerson said. “The hope is that once he’s back in football shape, he can push for reps and help us stabilize things down the stretch.”

The Seahawks have not confirmed whether Haynes will be active for Week 9, but his participation in practice signals meaningful progress toward a return to the field by mid-November.

Special Teams Shakeup: Velus Jones Jr. Joins the Mix

In a corresponding roster move, Seattle signed wide receiver and return specialist Velus Jones Jr. to the practice squad, releasing running back Myles Gaskin to make room.

Jones, 27, was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears and has since spent time with the Panthers and Saints. A former standout at Tennessee, Jones was named SEC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2021 and built a reputation as one of the nation’s most explosive return men.

In the NFL, he has appeared in 34 games, totaling 12 receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown, along with 20 rushing attempts for 165 yards and another score. His greatest impact, however, has come on special teams — where he’s logged 48 career kickoff returns for 1,244 yards, averaging over 25 yards per return.

Jones began this season with New Orleans, where he handled eight kickoff returns for 183 yards before being released in October. His addition provides Seattle with both depth and competition among a special teams group that has been solid but not spectacular through the first half of 2025.

“Velus brings legitimate return experience and speed,” Macdonald said. “He’s someone who’s proven he can flip the field in the return game, and we’ll see how quickly he can get up to speed with our system.”

The Seahawks have rotated several players in return duties this season, including George Holani, Tory Horton, and Cody White. Holani has averaged 25.6 yards per kick return, while Horton has handled most of the punt return work. Adding Jones gives the team another dynamic option should injuries or performance issues arise.

Meanwhile, Myles Gaskin, a former University of Washington standout, exits the organization after a short stint on the practice squad. The veteran running back, who spent four seasons with the Miami Dolphins, joined Seattle earlier in October but did not appear in a regular-season game.

The Broader Picture

As the Seahawks sit at 5–2, coming off their Week 8 bye, their focus has shifted toward sustaining momentum entering a pivotal stretch of the schedule. The offensive line’s performance remains central to that goal.

Despite the injuries and rotations, Seattle’s offense has shown flashes of balance — ranking 13th in rushing yards per game (115.4) and 14th in total offense. However, the inconsistency in pass protection has limited quarterback Geno Smith’s ability to capitalize on downfield opportunities, especially in games where the team has fallen behind early.

The potential return of Haynes adds intrigue to that equation. If he can recapture his preseason form, he could strengthen the interior blocking unit and open up running lanes for Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, while also giving Smith more time to operate from the pocket.

“We’ve got to keep building cohesion up front,” Smith said earlier this week. “Having guys like Christian back — young, tough, and hungry — that’s how you keep improving through the season.”

Seattle’s next challenge comes on Sunday Night Football against the Washington Commanders, whose defensive front — anchored by Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne — ranks among the league’s most physical. Whether Haynes is active or not, his reintegration into the practice rotation offers optimism that the Seahawks’ offensive line may soon regain some of the stability it has lacked since training camp.

Looking Ahead

The coming weeks could bring more movement across Seattle’s roster as injured players work toward returns. In addition to Haynes, the team has fullback Robbie Ouzts returning from injured reserve and hopes to soon get safety Julian Love back from a hamstring setback.

The Seahawks’ ability to stay healthy — and maintain consistent play up front — will likely determine whether they can sustain their early-season success. Haynes’ reactivation won’t fix everything overnight, but it represents a significant step toward building the kind of depth and continuity that playoff teams rely on.