Five Things We Learned From Mike Macdonald’s Press Conference Ahead of Seahawks’ Primetime Clash With Commanders

The Seattle Seahawks are hitting the road once again, this time for a primetime showdown against the Washington Commanders on Sunday night. For head coach Mike Macdonald and his squad, this isn’t just another East Coast trip — it’s an opportunity to make a statement under the bright lights and regain some momentum as the season enters its crucial mid-stretch.

But before Seattle boards the plane to D.C., Macdonald addressed the media Friday afternoon, providing a window into the team’s preparation, injury outlook, and mindset heading into Week 9.

From travel tweaks to depth chart surprises, here are five key takeaways from the Seahawks’ final press conference before their road trip.

1. A Change in Travel Plans: One-Day Trip Instead of Two

The Seahawks are known for being one of the most travel-tested teams in the NFL — it comes with the territory when you’re stationed in the Pacific Northwest. Historically, Seattle has often left two days before East Coast games to help players adjust to time differences and reduce fatigue. But this week, Macdonald revealed a different approach: the team will leave Saturday morning instead of Friday.

“With Detroit (last season, Monday Night Football), we went for two days, and we felt like it’d be smarter to go one day,” Macdonald explained. “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.”

The reasoning behind the shift appears rooted in both logistics and experience. The Seahawks have experimented with various travel methods over the years, particularly under former coach Pete Carroll, who favored early departures for long trips. Macdonald, however, seems more inclined to minimize disruption and keep players in their regular rhythm for as long as possible.

Seattle’s upcoming game against Washington kicks off in the evening, meaning the Seahawks will have most of Saturday and Sunday morning to adjust. The hope is that the new travel plan will allow for fresher legs and sharper minds by kickoff.

Still, it’s a calculated gamble — the Commanders may not be an elite team, but any road trip across the country poses challenges. If the Seahawks start sluggishly on Sunday, some might question whether the shorter travel schedule played a role.

2. Receiver Depth Will Be Tested Again

If there’s one theme that has followed Seattle all season, it’s injuries — and the wide receiver room is once again feeling the pinch.

Macdonald confirmed that Cooper Kupp remains questionable with a heel and hamstring issue, while both Jake Bobo (Achilles) and Dareke Young (quadriceps) have been ruled out. That leaves Seattle’s depth chart razor-thin, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tory Horton as the only fully healthy receivers currently active.

That lack of numbers likely means Cody White, currently on the practice squad, will get the call-up before game day. White began the season on the 53-man roster and impressed coaches early with his reliability and work ethic.

“That’s why we say it’s a 70,” Macdonald said, referring to the organization’s “Ready Squad” philosophy. “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. So, if those guys are called upon, they should be excited for their opportunities and let’s go.”

For Seattle, “next man up” isn’t just a slogan — it’s a survival strategy. Injuries have forced the Seahawks to rely on a revolving door of contributors this season. Smith-Njigba, the talented rookie, has shown flashes of star potential, while Horton has quietly developed into a versatile weapon. But without their top targets, the Seahawks will need creative play-calling and precise execution to keep the offense balanced.

Expect offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb to lean on tight ends and running backs in the passing game as well, using Noah Fant and Kenneth Walker III to create mismatches against Washington’s linebackers.

3. Ty Okada Gets the Nod at Safety

With Julian Love ruled out due to a hamstring injury, Ty Okada will once again step into the starting lineup alongside Coby Bryant in the secondary. This marks Okada’s fifth start of the season, and while he’s still carving out his identity in the league, Macdonald’s confidence in him is evident.

“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 just have to play within the scheme, play with energy, and the plays will find you. I think that’s what he’s come to with his style of play.”

The Seahawks have seen steady growth from Okada, a player whose physicality and instincts have stood out in limited reps. He’s not a flashy ball-hawk in the mold of Earl Thomas or Quandre Diggs, but he brings a steady presence to a secondary that’s been through constant turnover this year.

Seattle’s defense ranks near the top third of the league in total yards allowed, thanks in part to young defenders like Okada embracing their roles. Against Washington’s Sam Howell, who leads the NFL in passing attempts, Okada’s ability to read and react in coverage will be tested early and often.

4. Edge Rushers Return to Full Strength

For the first time in several weeks, the Seahawks’ pass rush will be fully healthy — and that could spell trouble for the Commanders’ offensive line.

Derick Hall, who missed two games with an oblique injury, was not listed on Friday’s injury report and is expected to suit up Sunday. His return gives Seattle its deepest edge rotation of the season, joining Uchenna Nwosu, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Boye Mafe in what Macdonald called “a luxury problem.”

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

That depth will be crucial against a Commanders offense that has been inconsistent but dangerous when given time. Washington’s offensive line has allowed one of the highest sack totals in the league this year, and Seattle’s front could look to exploit that weakness early.

Mafe, in particular, has emerged as a breakout player this season, racking up pressures and forcing offenses to double-team him. With Hall and Nwosu back in the fold, Macdonald has the luxury of mixing up blitz packages and disguising coverages — a key component of his defensive philosophy.

5. Jalen Milroe’s Role Remains Fluid

While quarterback Geno Smith remains firmly entrenched as the starter, Macdonald touched briefly on Jalen Milroe’s position as the emergency third quarterback, a designation that has sparked some fan curiosity.

In Week 7 against the Texans, Milroe served in that role, and Macdonald confirmed that those decisions are largely based on week-to-week roster management.

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

The emergency QB rule allows teams to carry an extra quarterback on game days without using a full roster spot, provided the player only enters the game if the first two quarterbacks are injured. While Milroe’s chances of seeing action remain slim, his development behind the scenes has been encouraging.

The Seahawks see Milroe as a potential long-term project — a dynamic athlete with strong leadership traits and untapped potential. His continued presence on the roster hints at Seattle’s long-term thinking beyond just the 2025 season.

Bonus Takeaway: Macdonald’s Measured Confidence

Beyond the updates and lineup tweaks, one of the biggest takeaways from Macdonald’s media session was his calm and methodical tone.

At just 37 years old, Macdonald is still the youngest head coach in the NFL, but he carries himself with a poise that belies his age. His detailed answers and emphasis on preparation have already started to reshape Seattle’s culture.

The Seahawks have weathered a stormy first half of the season — key injuries, tough losses, and inconsistent offense — yet there’s a growing sense of identity on defense and discipline across the roster.

When asked about the team’s mindset heading into another long East Coast trip, Macdonald simply said, “We’re treating it like another opportunity to compete. That’s what we do here.”

That mentality may sound cliché, but it reflects a subtle shift from the Pete Carroll era, where enthusiasm and energy often took center stage. Macdonald’s Seahawks play with focus and structure — and while the results haven’t been perfect, the foundation appears strong.

Looking Ahead

As the Seahawks prepare to face the Commanders, there’s plenty on the line. A win would not only help them keep pace in the NFC playoff race but also validate some of the adjustments Macdonald and his staff have implemented.

The game will also serve as a test of depth — with multiple starters sidelined and young players thrust into key roles.

The Commanders, led by Howell and a defense anchored by Jonathan Allen, have struggled with consistency, but they’ve also proven capable of pulling off surprises in primetime. Seattle cannot afford a slow start or sloppy execution, particularly on offense.

If the Seahawks can protect Smith, get production from their patchwork receiver corps, and maintain defensive discipline, they’ll have a chance to leave Washington with a much-needed win — and perhaps silence some of the growing doubts surrounding their early-season form.

For now, Macdonald and his team are focused on one thing: execution.

“Everything we do — the travel, the roster moves, the way we practice — it’s all about giving ourselves the best shot to win,” Macdonald said. “That’s the only goal that matters.”