The Seahawks are starting to get healthy at just the right time-and that could mean some key reinforcements are on the way for their Week 15 showdown against the Colts.
Seattle welcomed back center Jalen Sundell and tight end Eric Saubert to the practice field this week, opening their 21-day windows to return from injured reserve. Neither player counts against the 53-man roster just yet, but the tone from head coach Mike Macdonald suggests both could be activated sooner rather than later. In fact, Macdonald hinted that the team is hopeful both will be ready to go against Indianapolis.
Let’s start with Sundell. The rookie center had earned the starting job earlier this season before suffering a knee injury four weeks ago.
Now that he’s back in the mix, the question becomes: does he reclaim his spot at the heart of the offensive line? Not so fast.
While Sundell was solid in his early starts, Olu Oluwatimi has stepped in admirably in his absence. Macdonald didn’t commit to a change, and even floated the idea of Sundell potentially sliding over to right guard-a position that’s currently held by Anthony Bradford.
Here’s where it gets interesting. Bradford has quietly been improving over the past few weeks, and Macdonald made a point to note that progress.
That sets up a healthy competition on the interior line, and it’s a good problem to have. Depth and versatility are critical down the stretch, especially when you're trying to keep a playoff push alive.
Then there's Saubert, who’s been sidelined for the past six games with a calf injury. While he hasn’t been a major factor in the passing game, his value as a blocker has been missed-particularly in the run game and in two-tight end sets.
Rookie Nick Kallerup has filled in, but Saubert brings a veteran presence and physicality that’s hard to replicate. And with Elijah Arroyo dealing with an injury of his own, Saubert’s return couldn’t be better timed.
Bottom line: the Seahawks are getting key pieces back at a crucial point in the season. Whether Sundell steps back in as a starter or adds depth across the line, and whether Saubert resumes his role as a blocking tight end or simply bolsters a banged-up position group, these returns could quietly make a big impact. December football is all about execution, health, and depth-and Seattle just got a little stronger in all three.