With just under two weeks to go before the Seahawks take the field in their long-awaited return to the Super Bowl, a new injury concern has popped up - and it involves a key piece of Seattle’s defensive identity.
Linebacker Ernest Jones IV, one of the anchors of the Seahawks’ “Dark Side” defense, was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday’s estimated injury report due to a chest issue. It’s important to note: Seattle didn’t actually practice - the report is a projection - but the fact that Jones is even showing up on it this close to the biggest game of the year is worth paying attention to.
At 26, Jones has been a model of consistency for Seattle this season, especially when you compare it to his 2024 campaign, when elbow and knee injuries kept him in and out of the lineup. Over the past month, he’s only appeared on the injury report for illness and veteran rest days. This chest injury is the first time he’s been flagged with a physical setback since November, when he missed two games with a knee issue.
And make no mistake - Jones has been a difference-maker. He tied for second in the league during the regular season with five interceptions, a rare number for an off-ball linebacker, and racked up 126 total tackles in 15 games, placing him in the top 20 league-wide. His instincts, range, and ability to impact both the run and pass game have made him a central figure in Seattle’s defensive resurgence.
Outside of Jones, the Seahawks’ injury report was relatively light. Offensive tackle Amari Kight was the only other player listed as a non-participant.
There was some encouraging news on the linebacker front, though. Chazz Surratt, who’s been sidelined with an ankle injury and was designated to return from injured reserve last week, was listed as a full participant. If he’s able to suit up for the Super Bowl, it would be a timely boost to the linebacker rotation.
Seattle had nine players listed as limited, including quarterback Sam Darnold, who continues to manage an oblique injury that’s lingered throughout the postseason. Darnold has battled through it so far, and while it hasn’t kept him off the field, it’s something the Seahawks are clearly monitoring closely.
Here’s the full list of limited participants on Wednesday’s estimated report:
- OT Charles Cross (foot)
- FB Robbie Ouzts (neck)
- WR Jake Bobo (hand)
- QB Sam Darnold (oblique)
- OT Josh Jones (ankle/knee)
- FB Brady Russell (hand)
- S Julian Love (shoulder)
- LB Drake Thomas (shoulder)
- TE Eric Saubert (hamstring)
On the other side of the matchup, the Patriots also released an estimated injury report on Wednesday, listing five players as non-participants. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who’s been dealing with a right shoulder issue, was one of two players listed as limited.
The good news for both teams? There’s still time.
Kickoff for Super Bowl LVIII isn’t until Sunday, February 8 at 3:30 p.m. PT, giving players over a week to rest, rehab, and ramp up.
But as always this time of year, every name on the injury report matters - especially when it belongs to a player as impactful as Ernest Jones IV.