Josh Jones Steps In at Left Tackle for Seahawks’ Crucial NFC West Clash with Rams
RENTON - For Josh Jones, it’s been a minute.
Actually, it’s been 27 months since his last NFL start - Week 3 of the 2023 season, when he was with the Houston Texans. Now, the 28-year-old swing tackle is about to step into the spotlight for the Seattle Seahawks in what might be their biggest game of the season.
With Charles Cross ruled out due to a hamstring injury suffered during last week’s nail-biter against the Colts, Jones will get the nod at left tackle Thursday night when the Seahawks (11-3) host the Los Angeles Rams (11-3) at Lumen Field. First place in the NFC West - and a potential inside track to the conference’s top playoff seed - is on the line.
“Yeah, it feels like a long time,” Jones said with a laugh. “It has been a minute.”
But this is exactly why Seattle signed him last spring - to be the reliable veteran swing tackle, ready to step in when needed. And now, that moment has arrived.
A Long Road Back to the Starting Lineup
Jones’ path back to a starting role has been anything but linear. Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the 6-foot-7, 339-pound lineman made 21 starts over his first three seasons. After a brief stint with the Texans - where he was benched after just three games in 2023 - he signed with the Ravens for the 2024 season, contributing mostly on special teams.
Seattle brought him in this year for depth - and experience. Through 14 games, he’s been a backup and a special teams contributor. But now, with Cross sidelined, Jones gets the call at the position he knows best.
“I’ve played mostly left tackle my entire career,” Jones said. “So that’s the side I’m probably most comfortable on.”
He saw limited action last Sunday, logging four snaps after right tackle Abe Lucas briefly exited with a potential injury. Lucas returned and is good to go for Thursday, but Jones’ brief appearance was a reminder: he’s ready if needed. And now, he’s needed in a big way.
A Strong Preseason Showing
Jones made a strong impression in the preseason, holding down the left tackle spot while Cross was recovering from finger surgery. Head coach Mike Macdonald hasn’t forgotten.
“He had most of those opportunities in preseason, and he did a great job filling in for Charles when he was going through his training-camp stuff,” Macdonald said.
That experience - and the reps Jones has continued to take in practice - have kept him sharp.
“Yeah, we’ve been working since then, shoot, ‘till now,” Jones said. “We’ve been grinding the whole time.”
A Tough Assignment Awaits
Jones won’t exactly be easing into this one. The Rams’ defensive front is deep and versatile, even if it’s not the star-studded group of years past.
Kobie Turner, who’s listed as the right defensive end, often shifts inside to rush over the guards. Braden Fiske, the left defensive end, is questionable with an ankle injury, but the Rams still rotate a handful of capable linemen - including former Seahawks Poona Ford and Tyler Davis - who can bring pressure.
In their first meeting last month, Turner was quiet against Cross and Anthony Zabel - just one tackle, no pressures, and no hits on quarterback Sam Darnold. But the Rams are likely to mix things up this time around. Expect them to test Jones early with blitzes and stunts, trying to exploit any rust from his long layoff.
“They’ve got some good guys rushing the passer. Great front,” Jones said.
“It’s an impressive game plan that they put together. So we’ve got to go out there and play some good ball.”
Extra Protection Coming?
Don’t be surprised if Seattle adjusts its blocking schemes to support Jones on the edge. Line coaches John Benton and Rick Dennison may lean on tight ends like AJ Barner and Eric Saubert, or even bring in a fullback to chip and help protect Darnold’s blind side.
That could mean rookie fullback Robbie Ouzts is back in the mix. Ouzts was inactive last week, a healthy scratch as the Seahawks opted for an extra wide receiver against the Colts. But with Jones stepping in at left tackle, the offensive game plan may shift toward more two-tight end sets and heavier protection packages - the kind where a fullback earns his paycheck.
A Moment Years in the Making
For Jones, this isn’t just a spot start. It’s a chance to reestablish himself as a starter in the league - and to do it in a game with major playoff implications.
“He’s got a great opportunity,” Macdonald said. “He’s prepared.
Go out there and play your tail off, man. Let’s go roll.”
Jones has waited a long time for this. Now, under the primetime lights, with the division lead at stake, he gets his shot. And if his preseason performance and veteran poise are any indication, the Seahawks might be in steady hands on the left side.