Seattle Seahawks: Latest News & Analysis (as of Mid-September 2025)

The 2025 NFL season has started, and the Seattle Seahawks are in a period of transition. Between new coaching, roster shakeups, and some early stumbles, there’s a lot going on. Here’s a deep dive into everything currently affecting the Seahawks: injuries, roster changes, performance analysis, and what to look for in the coming weeks.

Season Start & First Game Recap

• Seattle opened the season at home against the San Francisco 49ers, losing a close one, 17-13. Errors at critical times, some offensive struggles, and key defensive moments from San Francisco made the difference.
• Some bright spots included Jaxon Smith-Njigba having a strong outing in the receiver role, which is noteworthy given that Seattle has parted ways with some veteran receivers.

Major Roster Moves & Offseason Changes

Trading DK Metcalf: One of the biggest storylines has been the departure of DK Metcalf. Seattle traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason after long discussions and reportedly some friction.

Quarterback Change: The Seahawks moved on from Geno Smith, bringing in Sam Darnold on a multi-year deal. Expectations are that Darnold will lead the offense, though early on there have been questions about how smooth the transition will be.

Wide Receiver Corps Overhaul: After Metcalf’s departure (and the release of Tyler Lockett in the offseason), the team made some additions (Cooper Kupp, Marquez Valdes-Scantling) to try to fill the void. However, not all moves have produced immediate payoffs. Valdes-Scantling, for example, underwhelmed in training camp and was released on roster cut-down day.

Draft & New Talent: Rookies and young players are under scrutiny — from Jaxon Smith-Njigba stepping up, to other newcomers trying to make their mark. Also, the Seahawks used Day 3 of the draft to get receivers and other depth. yankees jacket

Injury Reports & Depth Concerns

A recurring theme in Seattle’s early games is injuries and the availability of certain key players.

• Nick Emmanwori (Safety): Injured his ankle in Week 1 vs. the 49ers. He is ruled out for Week 2 at Pittsburgh.
• Devon Witherspoon (Cornerback): Listed as doubtful for Week 2 with a knee issue. He also did not practice on Friday last.
• Other injuries / reserve statuses: Some offensive linemen and defensive players are either in injured reserve (IR), physically unable to perform (NFI-R), or recovering from other injuries. Examples: Christian Haynes (guard) pectoral injury, Rylie Mills (DE) with an ACL knee injury, etc.
• Depth is being tested. With starters missing or limited, younger or less experienced players will need to step up.

Offensive Issues & Concerns

• Re-placing Metcalf & Receiver Corps Functioning: With Metcalf gone, wide receiver depth has been under heavy scrutiny. Smith-Njigba looks promising and has been the primary target in the opener, but beyond him, production has been limited. Cooper Kupp is in but has had modest contributions so far; Marquez Valdes-Scantling did not impress. Rookie Tory Horton beat out Valdes-Scantling for the No. 3 spot but didn’t see much action in Week 1. (Cincinnati reds jacket)
• Offensive Line & Run Game: While wide receivers get a lot of attention, there have been critiques that Seattle’s offensive line and run game are underwhelming. Analysts point out struggles in run blocking, protection, and inconsistency in executing plays.
• Sam Darnold’s Adjustment & Expectations: Given that Darnold is new in this system, there is a learning curve. The offense was not sharp in the opener; some dropped passes, some misreads, and timing issues. But it is early, and coaches appear to believe that things should improve as players gel. (minnesota twins jacket)

Defensive Side, Coaching & Leadership

• Under the new head coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks are still defining their identity. Defensive players are expected to be aggressive and play with toughness, and there’s belief that Macdonald’s style can re-energize Seattle’s defense.
• In the secondary, Witherspoon’s health is important. He was seen as a key cornerback. If he remains limited, depth in the secondary will be tested. Players like Riq Woolen are under the microscope; Woolen had some rough moments. The team may need to shuffle roles or see backups get more snaps.

Transactions & Roster Moves

Some important roster moves to note:

Extension: Offensive tackle Abraham Lucas signed a three-year contract extension. That provides some stability on the offensive line.

Signing & Releasing WRs: The Seahawks signed Cody White, then released him shortly thereafter, moved Shaquill Griffin (CB) up from practice squad, added others to practice squad, etc. These moves reflect the team adjusting its depth and responding to injuries or performance.

Practice Squad Activity: There's been a lot of shuffling—adding and releasing players from the practice squad to the active roster, especially at WR, CB, and DL positions. These kinds of moves are typical this early in the season as teams settle on their 53-man rosters.

What Needs to Improve & Key Questions

From the current state of affairs, here are some critical areas the Seahawks must address to stay competitive in 2025.

• Wide Receiver Depth & Consistency : With Metcalf gone and Lockett released, Seattle’s passing game hinges on Jaxon Smith-Njigba and whoever else can step up: Kupp, Horton, etc. They need more consistent contributions beyond their top option.

• Offensive Line Stability : To run the ball effectively, protect Darnold, and avoid negative plays, the O-line must improve. Early indications suggest that run blocking and pass protection have both been inconsistent.

• Health & Injury Management : Keeping Witherspoon healthy, getting Emmanwori back, and having usable depth in both offense and defense will matter a lot. A few injuries to key players could expose weaknesses in depth.

• Sam Darnold’s Performance & Leadership : As the starting QB, a lot rides on Darnold executing, making good decisions, managing pressure, and helping this younger receiving corps. Coaching and playcalling need to support him well.

• Defensive Execution & Secondary Reliability : If primary corners or safeties are injured or limited, the backups or second-string needs to avoid breakdowns. Also, the Seahawks defense must force turnovers, make crucial stops, especially in tight games.

• Game Management & Situational Football : In their opener, small mistakes and errors in key moments cost them. Better situational awareness (3rd-downs, red zone, turnovers) could swing close games.

What to Watch in the Next Few Weeks

Week 2 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: This is a big game, especially since it features DK Metcalf opposing his former team. Also, it tests how well Seattle responds after a close loss in Week 1.

Monitoring Witherspoon & Emmanwori: Whether either player can return or play through injury will affect defensive plans. Their availability is key.

WR Corps Production: How many targets and how much yardage do Kupp, Horton, Barner, etc., get? Can they make big plays? Can they stretch the field or create mismatches?

Ability to Close Games: Seattle has lost narrowly in their opener. If they keep games close but can’t find ways to win, that affects momentum.

Depth Players Stepping Up: Practice squad promotions, young players making plays — e.g. Horton, backups in the defensive backfield.

Offensive Line Performance Over Time: Will they settle in? Will adjustments be made in scheme or personnel to improve protection for Darnold and the run game?

Pressure & Fan Expectations

• Fans and media expect more identity from this Seahawks team under Coach Macdonald. After years with varying successes, Seattle is seen as in a sort of re-build/re-tool mode. The expectations are moderate: make the playoffs, show competitiveness, stabilize certain positions. But given the investments and trades, there is also pressure to win now. san diego padres jacket
• The trade of Metcalf weighed heavily on public perception. If Seattle struggles in the passing game or in loss to stars like Metcalf, critics are going to point this out. So performances by receivers and how Darnold handles pressure will be especially scrutinized.

Summary & Outlook

To sum up, these are the takeaway points as the Seahawks approach the second week of the 2025 season:

• 0-1 start is not ideal, but it's not disastrous either. They were competitive against a strong 49ers side.
• Key injury issues exist, especially in the secondary (Witherspoon, Emmanwori). Depth will be tested.
• The receiver group is a work in progress. Replacing Metcalf is not just about finding a single player; it's about having multiple threats. So far, only Jaxon Smith-Njigba has looked like a reliable option.
• Sam Darnold has the tools and opportunity, but he needs more support from scheme, his pass catchers, and the offensive line.
• The defense, under Mike Macdonald, has potential. Seattle’s identity seems to lean on physicality and toughness. How well they execute will define how many close games they can win.

If Seattle can tighten up in the passing game, keep key defenders healthy, and improve offensive consistency (especially in protection and run game), they have a shot to be competitive in a tough NFC West. But there’s a lot of work to do.