Seahawks’ Offensive Line Depth Gets a Boost as Jalen Sundell Returns to Practice
The Seattle Seahawks are getting a key piece back in the trenches - and just in time for the stretch run. Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Monday that center Jalen Sundell will return to practice this week after spending the last four games on injured reserve with a knee injury suffered in the team’s win over Arizona.
Sundell’s return adds another layer to an already intriguing offensive line situation in Seattle. The big question now: where exactly will he line up?
When asked whether Sundell would return to center or slide over to guard - a position he’s also played during his two seasons with the Seahawks - Macdonald kept things close to the vest. “We’ll see,” he said with a grin, offering no hints to upcoming opponents like the Colts and Rams. With playoff positioning on the line, there’s no reason to tip your hand.
Oluwatimi Holds Down the Middle
While Sundell’s absence could’ve spelled trouble, rookie center Olu Oluwatimi has stepped up in a big way. Over the past four weeks, he’s anchored the middle of the Seahawks’ offensive line with impressive poise and physicality - especially in the run game.
“He’s definitely been an asset for us,” Macdonald said recently. “He’s playing physical. He’s playing decisive, and he’s getting us to the right targets.”
Oluwatimi’s communication has been a standout trait. He’s been sharp in making line calls and adjusting protections pre-snap - exactly what you want from the guy in the middle. It’s that kind of steadiness that’s helped Seattle go 4-0 in Sundell’s absence, including a dominant 37-9 win over the Falcons this past weekend.
Anthony Bradford’s Breakout Performance
Then there’s right guard Anthony Bradford - a player who’s taken his share of criticism from fans, but who’s quietly stacking up solid performances. In fact, Macdonald revealed that Bradford graded out as the Seahawks’ top offensive lineman in Sunday’s win.
“A.B. graded out as our highest offensive lineman,” Macdonald said. “He’s playing hard, and he’s got a great punch in pass protection.”
Bradford’s confidence is clearly growing. He’s started all 13 games this season, and with the team sitting at 10-3, it’s hard to argue with the results. Macdonald praised his work ethic in practice and noted that Bradford is “probably at a high point” in his career right now.
That doesn’t sound like a guy who’s about to be replaced.
A Good Problem to Have
This is what happens when you’re 10-3 and pushing for a division title. Injuries test your depth, and sometimes, the backups rise to the occasion.
Now, with Sundell coming back, the Seahawks have a trio of interior linemen - Sundell, Oluwatimi, and Bradford - all playing at a high level. It’s a luxury most teams would love to have.
The coaching staff will have to make a call: slide Sundell back in at center and move Oluwatimi to the bench? Try Sundell at guard? Or stick with the current lineup that’s been winning and ease Sundell back into the mix?
Whatever the decision, it’ll be made with the postseason in mind.
Holding the Line Against the Blitz
Bradford’s performance in Atlanta deserves a closer look. The Falcons, like the Vikings the week before, brought the heat - and brought it often. They entered the game ranked third in the NFL in sacks, and their aggressive blitz packages had rattled quarterbacks all season.
But Seattle’s line - and Sam Darnold - handled it. Darnold was sacked three times, but he also picked Atlanta apart after halftime.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he went 6-for-8 for 75 yards and three touchdowns against man blitzes in the second half, generating +8.3 EPA (expected points added). That’s his best mark of the season against the blitz and ranks ninth-best among all NFL quarterbacks in 2025.
Bradford was instrumental in that success. On Darnold’s 28-yard touchdown to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Bradford stood his ground against defensive tackle Kentavius Street, giving Darnold time to let the route develop.
That score marked the first passing touchdown allowed all season by Falcons corner A.J. Terrell.
Later, on an 11-yard touchdown to Cooper Kupp, Bradford and Oluwatimi teamed up to double-team LaCale London, allowing Darnold to slide right and hit Kupp on a quick release. And on the final touchdown - a four-yarder to Smith-Njigba - Bradford handled a blitzing cornerback with ease, giving Darnold a clean pocket to finish the drive.
“I thought he had a great game,” Macdonald said of Bradford.
Looking Ahead
With four games left in the regular season and the Seahawks in the thick of the NFC West race, every decision matters. The offensive line, once a sore spot in Seattle, is now a strength - and with Sundell returning, it’s even deeper.
Whether he slides back into the starting five or provides valuable insurance down the stretch, Sundell’s return is a good problem for Seattle to have. And if the Seahawks keep getting this kind of play from their offensive front, they’ll be a tough out come January.