Brady Henderson
RENTON, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks had been eyeing Rashid Shaheed as a possible commerce goal lengthy earlier than a latest slew of accidents hit their extensive receiver corps. However with the chance that Seattle can be shorthanded at that place this week, Shaheed's arrival through a commerce with the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday got here at simply the suitable time.
The Seahawks listed Cooper Kupp as questionable to play Sunday towards the Arizona Cardinals due to heel and hamstring accidents, although he was a full participant in apply Friday. Even when Kupp performs, the Seahawks are prone to be with out three different receivers, as backups Jake Bobo (calf) and Dareke Younger (hip) have been dominated out and Tory Horton (groin/shin) is uncertain.
Shaheed, who arrived on the Seahawks' headquarters Wednesday morning after the workforce acquired him for fourth- and fifth-round picks, would possibly have to play extensively in his Seattle debut.
“He is doing nice,” coach Mike Macdonald stated. “Simply preserve attacking it. … He is performed an incredible job up to now, and the prep will not cease till during recreation time.”
The Seahawks additionally dominated out cornerback Josh Jobe (concussion) and backup guard Christian Haynes (pectoral). Tight finish AJ Barner (calf) is questionable, however he practiced absolutely on Friday. Linebacker Ernest Jones IV (knee) is uncertain.
Shaheed's transition to the Seahawks needs to be streamlined because of his familiarity with coordinator Klint Kubiak's scheme. Kubiak was the Saints' offensive coordinator final season, and Shaheed stated Wednesday that Seattle's offense is “just about the identical” as what he ran final season, save for some tweaks right here and there.
Macdonald was requested how a lot of the playbook Shaheed has gotten down.
“It is completely different since you're solely studying the sport plan performs, so we now have a plan for him,” Macdonald stated. “However I am unable to wait to see him play. He is performed an incredible job.”
Shaheed is prone to be a part of the Seahawks' return recreation Sunday, in accordance with Macdonald. Horton is the workforce's punt returner, and Younger is likely one of the two main kickoff returners.
The Seahawks have been additionally skinny at receiver final week of their win over the Washington Commanders, with Kupp, Bobo and Younger all out. Horton practiced with out limitation Wednesday regardless of a groin harm, however Macdonald stated Horton then had hassle with a lingering shin harm from the Washington recreation that sidelined him Thursday and Friday.
Kupp did not apply Wednesday, then went from restricted Thursday to a full participant Friday.
“Coop's an animal,” Macdonald stated. “He is nice. It is spectacular to see what he is keen to do to get able to play a recreation. It means loads to him. He is performed an incredible job this week.”
Jones suffered a proper knee harm within the first half towards Washington and didn't return. He was a restricted participant the primary two days this week — and was seen carrying a brace in the course of the open viewing window — however did not apply Friday.
Assuming Jones would not play, second-year linebacker Tyrice Knight will begin towards Arizona. Knight started the season because the starter on the weak facet earlier than shedding the job to Drake Thomas. Macdonald stated Thomas would take over because the defensive signal-caller in Jones' absence.
Macdonald stated Jobe made progress within the concussion protocol regardless that he missed all three practices this week. Riq Woolen is predicted to start out in his place.
