The Seahawks got their first real look at the 2026 rookie class in Week 1 against the New England Patriots, and the early returns were uneven. One player stood out immediately, a few barely got on the field, and one would-be contributor never had the chance because of injury.
The biggest reason for optimism is first-round running back Jadarian Price. Seattle already expected him to lead the backfield, but he still showed why the team sees him as a potential difference-maker.
Price handled 10 carries and turned them into 52 yards, a strong 5.2 yards per carry. He looked every bit like a player ready for a larger role, even though this was his first real NFL action and he did not appear in a preseason game.
Brian Fleury now has to figure out how to get him more touches, especially with the offensive line creating some workable lanes.
Elsewhere, the rookie class mostly watched. Cornerback Julian Neal and Avery Smith were active, but neither played on defense.
Neal logged five special teams snaps, while Smith got nine. The Seahawks’ secondary performed well anyway, even without Ty Okada and Nick Emmanwori, but Neal and Smith still have not done enough to earn meaningful defensive reps.
Guard Beau Stephens was on the other end of the roster spectrum as a healthy inactive. He made the 53-man roster, but he still needs time to develop. His path could open a little more after Bryce Cabeldue was placed on the practice squad and quickly claimed by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. remains another name to watch. He is on the verge of making the 53-man roster after making an impact on special teams. Cornerback Michael Dansby, defensive tackle Deven Eastern, cornerback Andre Fuller and edge rusher Aidan Hubbard are still on the practice team after some rookie cuts were made in favor of veterans.
Seattle also had to adjust because of the sudden hamstring injury to Okada. Bud Clark would have been the second-round safety starting in that spot, but a broken ankle in the second preseason game against the Tennessee Titans ended his season before it began. Instead, the Seahawks elevated Rodney Thomas II from the practice squad to start in place of Okada.
In Other News...
Seahawks Suddenly Have A Sam Darnold Problem They Can't Yet Solve
The Seahawks are sorting through an early quarterback setback after Sam Darnold was ruled out with what the team now says is a glute injury, not the hip issue that was first reported. The expectation is that he will miss Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, leaving Seattle to lean on Drew Lock to keep the offense steady while Darnold heals up.
For a team that brought Darnold in to stabilize the position, the timing is hardly ideal, especially with a division game next on the schedule. Seattle is hopeful the injury is short-term and will get a clearer read on his status after this week, but for now the focus shifts to whether Lock can keep the Seahawks on track until the starter is ready to return. [Read more 🡒]
Seahawks Just Got A Break In A Crucial 49ers Matchup
The 49ers are already dealing with an early setback at wide receiver, and it comes at an awkward time with Seattle watching the NFC West race closely. Rookie DeZhaun Stribling, who was injured in the Week 1 game against the Rams, is expected to miss at least a month after suffering a deltoid ligament injury, leaving San Francisco a little thinner in a part of the offense that was supposed to help open things up.
Stribling had briefly returned to the game after the injury before leaving later on a non-contact play, and his absence could matter in ways that go beyond one receiver's target share. His speed was part of the 49ers plan to stretch the field, so Seattle will take any break it can get in a matchup that already carries plenty of weight in the division. [Read more 🡒]
Seahawks Injury Trouble Just Raised The Stakes In The NFC West
The first week of the NFC West season already felt like it came with an asterisk, and the latest injury news only adds to the uncertainty. Seattle is dealing with quarterback Sam Darnold being sidelined by a glute tendon issue, while the Rams are already bracing for a stretch without linebacker Myles Garrett after knee surgery. Layer those absences onto the opening results, with San Francisco handling Los Angeles decisively and Arizona beating the Chargers, and the division picture suddenly looks a lot less settled than it did a few days ago.
For the Seahawks, the timing matters as much as the injury itself. Early September is supposed to be about establishing footing, but instead the NFC West is already being shaped by health, depth, and how quickly teams can absorb losses at key spots. Seattle has every reason to monitor the ripple effects closely, because a division that looked like a tight race on paper is already tilting in ways that could matter later, even if the full impact is still to come. [Read more 🡒]