The Seahawks shuffled their roster ahead of Week 15, making a series of notable moves that reflect both injury recoveries and strategic depth planning as the season hits its final stretch.
Tight end Eric Saubert and center Jalen Sundell have both been activated from injured reserve, giving Seattle a little more muscle at two key positions. And in Saubert’s case, the team isn’t just bringing him back - they’re committing to him for a bit longer. According to reports, Saubert has signed a one-year contract extension, keeping the veteran tight end in the fold beyond this season.
Seattle also placed rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo on injured reserve, a tough break for a young player who had shown promise. But the team is getting a boost on the defensive front, activating rookie defensive tackle Rylie Mills from the physically unable to perform list. Mills had been sidelined since the start of the season, but his return could provide some rotational depth along the interior defensive line - an area that’s been tested throughout the year.
On the offensive side, the Seahawks are elevating running back Velus Jones for this week’s game. Jones brings a bit of versatility to the backfield and special teams, and his elevation suggests Seattle is looking for a spark or some added insurance with the running back room in flux.
Earlier in the week, the Seahawks created space on the 53-man roster by waiving cornerback Shaquill Griffin and running back Cam Akers. But both veterans are sticking around - they’ve been re-signed to the practice squad. To make room, the team released running back Myles Gaskin and wide receiver Jimmy Holiday.
As for Saubert, his NFL journey has been anything but linear - but it’s a testament to his persistence and adaptability. Drafted in the fifth round back in 2017 by the Falcons, he’s bounced around the league with stops in New England, Oakland, Chicago, Jacksonville, Denver, Miami, Dallas, Houston, and San Francisco before landing in Seattle this past March.
Now 31, Saubert has carved out a role as a reliable depth piece - a veteran tight end who knows how to block, can contribute on special teams, and won’t make mistakes when called upon. This season, he’s appeared in seven games for the Seahawks, logging one catch for 12 yards in a start. Not flashy numbers, but in a tight end room that’s been dealing with injuries, his presence matters.
Seattle’s decision to extend him signals their appreciation for that kind of steady veteran leadership - the type that doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet but shows up in the film room, on the practice field, and in the locker room.
With three games left in the regular season and the playoff picture still taking shape, these moves - from activating key players to reinforcing the practice squad - could prove meaningful. The Seahawks are clearly trying to strike the right balance between short-term readiness and long-term roster stability.