The Seahawks added another experienced body to their offensive line room on Thursday, signing former Bengals starting guard Cordell Volson to the practice squad.
Seattle’s “ready squad,” as the team calls it, now includes the 28-year-old Volson, who brings 48 starts over three seasons in Cincinnati. He missed all of last season because of an injury, then spent time this preseason and on practice squads with the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers.
The move comes at a useful moment for Seattle’s reshuffled line. After the blockbuster trade for Quenton Nelson, the Seahawks had to announce a minor medical procedure for the star lineman’s knee after one game.
Nelson is currently week to week, though the expectation is he should avoid injured reserve. In the meantime, Anthony Bradford has moved off the bench and back into the lineup at right guard, which sends Grey Zabel back to the left guard spot where he has the most experience as a pro.
That leaves Seattle leaning on its depth, and Volson gives the team another proven option. Fifth-round rookie Beau Stephens is already part of that mix, and the Seahawks are now covered a week out from their bye. Volson also fits the room geographically and stylistically, having played at North Dakota State just like Zabel and starting center Jalen Sundell.
A former fourth-round pick by the Bengals, Volson has mainly played left guard. Seattle has also been sorting through its backup interior line options after Stephens saw action this year in a rotational role with Christian Haynes at right guard. Haynes is now gone to South Beach, and the reserve group appears to be changing again.
The Seahawks have leaned on former starters for depth throughout the offseason, with names like Rodney Thomas II and Bobby Hart already seeing action. Volson could be next in line for an immediate practice squad elevation, with Sunday’s game against the Raiders coming while Q-Nelson is out.
To make room, Seattle released safety AJ Finley, who started in the Week 3 loss to the Washington Commanders.
In Other News...
Seahawks Suddenly Have A Bigger Problem Than Just Sundays Opponent
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The bigger concern is up front and on defense, where Quenton Nelson and Charles Cross both sat out because of injuries, while Leonard Williams remained out with a stinger. Derick Hall was limited by a back injury and Uchenna Nwosu was limited with an ankle issue, leaving Seattle with several key names still in question before facing a Raiders team that appears to be trending toward near full strength. [Read more 🡒]
Seahawks Still Need A Breakout And One Young Player Has Opening
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Jadarian Price is one of the names worth watching this week. The rookie running back has an opening to make a real impression against a weak rushing defense, and Seattle could use a breakout from a player still early in his NFL journey. If he can take advantage, it would give the Seahawks another useful piece at a time when they are still trying to identify who can help them most down the stretch. [Read more 🡒]
Seahawks Pass Rush Has A Chance To Wreck A New Raiders Plan
The Raiders are turning the page to rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza after moving on from Kirk Cousins, and that gives Seattles defense a fresh target heading into the matchup. Byron Murphy II and Mike Macdonald both sounded confident the Seahawks can make life difficult for Mendoza in his first NFL start, which is exactly the kind of test Seattles front likes to present when a young passer is thrown into the fire.
Klint Kubiak has already praised Mendozas preparation, but the Seahawks will be trying to turn a well-studied week into a long afternoon once the game starts. For Seattle, the bigger question is whether that pass rush can do more than just hurry a rookie - whether it can disrupt the Raiders new plan before it has a chance to settle in. [Read more 🡒]
