Training camps have kicked off around the NFL, and our team reporters are on the ground each day following all the action. The Seattle Seahawks' camp is taking place in Renton, Washington, and Seahawks reporter Brady Henderson has the latest intel on standouts, highlights, position battles, depth chart movement, cut decisions and of course the quarterback room.
What follows is everything we are seeing and hearing at Seahawks camp. We will file often with updates. What will Sam Darnold look like in Year 1 in Seattle? Who are the breakouts to watch, especially for fantasy football? And which players on the roster bubble could make the final 53?
Let's get into it all, and be sure to keep checking back for more information until the first full week of the preseason begins on Thursday.
Latest news from Seahawks camp
Tuesday, Aug. 12
Two of the five spots on the Seahawks' offensive line remain unsettled, with competitions still going at right guard and center. When would offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak like to make a decision on starters?
"I'd love to have it in April," he said Tuesday. "Ideally, those guys, the longer they play together, the more they gel together. However, the competition is going to bring out the best in them and it's showing us what some young guys can do, so it's an ongoing battle."
Anthony Bradford has been in the lead at right guard for all of camp as has Olu Oluwatimi at center, though Oluwatimi has missed the last week with a back injury, perhaps opening the door for Jalen Sundell. Bradford appears to be the heavy favorite over Sundell and Christian Haynes at right guard, especially with Sundell stepping in recently for Oluwatimi at center.
As a massive, poweful blocker, Bradford initially seemed like an unideal fit for an offense that will lean on outside zone runs. But the 2023 fourth-round pick showed up to the offseason program having improved his body composition.
"AB has made great strides," Kubiak said. "Obviously he's a physical presence, but you see more consistency in his game throughout camp, so I see a guy that's playing more confident."
Coach Mike Macdonald has said that the plan is to not rotate at either spot like they did for part of last season with Bradford and Haynes, and that the coaching staff is narrowing in on a starting five. So decisions are likely coming soon after the Seahawks host the Chiefs on Friday in their second preseason game.
More:
RB Kenneth Walker III returned after missing the last two days and did not appear to be limited in what was a two-hour and 20-minute practice in full pads.
Monday, Aug. 11
Mike Macdonald noted the improvement Sam Darnold has made over the first three weeks of training camp in terms of playing on time, which is one of the most important things the quarterback will have to do in order to replicate his 2024 Pro Bowl season with the Vikings.
The Seahawks' head coach loves to see it, even if the defensive coordinator in him does not.
"It's a pain in the butt," Macdonald, Seattle's de facto DC, said Monday. "He's getting the ball out fast, he's accurate, he's making fast decisions. Operationally, we're still working through a couple things, but I was just telling him yesterday, it's a pain in the butt to pressure him because the ball's out and it's hard to get to him."
Whether or not Darnold can do that once the real games begin will go a long way in determining whether the Seahawks can keep him upright -- and whether the quarterback can keep his job in Seattle beyond 2025. On the day he signed his three-year, $100.5 million contract (which gives the team a potential out after one season), Darnold acknowledged how he needs to get the ball out quicker, a lesson he learned from the nine-sack nightmare he experienced in the Vikings' playoff loss.
"He's very smart," defensive tackle Jarran Reed said. "He's a smart quarterback. The ball definitely comes out fast, and we can tell some things from film that we can change up that he notices, and that's good when you can see that from both ends."
More:
RB Kenneth Walker III was sidelined again Monday as the Seahawks held a walk-through. Walker missed time earlier in camp with foot soreness, but it doesn't sound like he's dealing with another new injury, as Macdonald said, "We have a plan for Ken, and we're sticking to the plan."
NT Johnathan Hankins remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list because of a back injury, and there's still no clear timetable on when the 13-year veteran will be ready, at least not one that Macdonald is willing to share publicly. "It's really just a matter of how quickly the back kind of calms down," Macdonald said, adding: "Let's face it, Hank doesn't need a lot of reps to get ready to play. He knows what to do. He's in the meetings, doing his rehab, doing a great job."
C Olu Oluwatimi (back) remained out, leaving Jalen Sundell to again take the No. 1 reps. Macdonald said they're narrowing in on a starting five, so decisions are coming soon on the winners of the competitions at that spot and at right guard. When asked if they could rotate again like they did at right guard last season, Macdonald, "Right now the plan is not to rotate."
Saturday, Aug. 9
Two highlight plays from practice Saturday illustrated one of the ways in which Klint Kubiak's offense will look noticeably different than that of his predecessor. Whereas Ryan Grubb mostly kept Geno Smith inside the pocket last season, Kubiak likes to get his quarterbacks on the move with designed rollouts, which are a natural complement to outside zone runs.
Late in practice, Sam Darnold rolled to his left and hit Cooper Kupp on the sideline with a laser throw that zipped just past the fingertips of rookie safety Nick Emmanwori on his fully-extended dive. Drew Lock made perhaps the play of the day earlier in practice while also rolling out to his left. He hit rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo in stride on a deep corner route despite the difficult throw across his body.
Despite having a quarterback in Smith with plenty of mobility, Seattle was tied for the sixth-lowest percentage (10.8%) of dropbacks that went outside the pocket last season, according to ESPN Research. With Kubiak coordinating the Saints' offense, New Orleans had the third-highest percentage (17.8%) of such plays. The Broncos also had the third-highest rate (20.1%) during Kubiak's six-game stint as their play-caller in 2022.
That was not as much of a staple of the Kubiak-coordinated 2021 Vikings offense - they were 24th in outside-the-pocket percentage at 10.9% -- though that was likely because they had a pocket passer in Kirk Cousins.
Darnold, Lock and especially rookie Jalen Milroe all have good mobility.
"That was one of the reasons we were really excited about Sam is his ability to throw on the move and his accuracy on the move, which is really cool," coach Mike Macdonald said Saturday. "Drew had a great throw today moving to his left on the sideline. Threw a dime with a guy in his face. That was a heck of a throw. I can't wait to see that one again. So both guys have the ability. We saw Jalen do it in the game on one of the movements, so all three guys can move and throw on the run."
More:
LB Tyrice Knight remained sidelined Saturday. Macdonald said he's "getting close" with his knee injury but that he's also working through a separate "medical issue" that will keep him out a couple weeks. Macdonald is expecting him to be ready by the opener.
Macdonald answered in the affirmative when asked if he wants to see another preseason game before making decisions on the competitions at center and right guard. C Olu Oluwatimi tried to practice Saturday, but the team shut him down when his back tightened up again. That left Jalen Sundell to again take all the first-team reps. Macdonald thinks Oluwatimi, who didn't play in the preseason opener Thursday, will be back to full speed early this week.
Said Macdonald of Sundell at center: "He's having a lot of great plays. There's play I think he'd be the first to tell you that he can improve on, but all the stuff that we're seeing, the athleticism, the point-of-attack stuff is pretty cool. I thought he did a really good job."
Macdonald didn't have any update on a timetable for OLB Uchenna Nwosu, whose status for the start of the season has been in question as he works his way back from knee surgery. Macdonald did say Nwosu is "kicking butt" in his rehab, adding: "Matter of fact, he's going so hard we've got to slow him down."
Wednesday, Aug. 6
Camp recap: Who has been your standout performer of camp?
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The third-year receiver has reached that level of excellence where highlight plays feel almost routine, but his strong camp shouldn't be overlooked.
He has consistently looked like the Seahawks' best offensive player over the past two weeks, and the touchdown catch he made at the end of practice Monday while falling out of the side of the end zone was just one example.
While mostly known for his work out of the slot over his first two seasons, Smith-Njigba continues to show he can win from the outside as well. That may be more of a necessity this season with DK Metcalf gone and Cooper Kupp filling the WR2 role.
Camp recap: What is the biggest question to answer for your team in preseason games?
The Seahawks have competitions ongoing at right guard and center, and coach Mike Macdonald has given the impression that they'd like to determine the winners after seeing a preseason game or two.
Anthony Bradford has clearly been in the lead at right guard over Christian Haynes and Jalen Sundell. Olu Oluwatimi -- who's currently dealing with a back issue -- has been ahead at center, though Sundell is also vying for that job.
Another battle has emerged at receiver, where rookie fifth-round pick Tory Horton has been pushing veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling for the No. 3 role.
Get used to this. 🫣
Powered by @Boeing pic.twitter.com/tEMN27zEmr
Tuesday, Aug. 5
Despite Marquez Valdes-Scantling's underwhelming start to camp, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald is still a believer in what the speedy veteran receiver can do. After all, he hasn't forgotten what happened in the closing minutes of the 2023 AFC Championship Game.
Macdonald, then the Ravens' defensive coordinator, watched Valdes-Scantling haul in a deep heave from Patrick Mahomes after getting behind Baltimore's secondary. The 32-yard reception converted a third-and-9 and sent the Chiefs back to the Super Bowl with a 17-10 win.
"He stuck a dagger in our heart," Macdonald recalled Tuesday. "So that's on my mind a lot."
Valdes-Scantling will need to start showing that he can still stretch the defense if he wants to hold off Tory Horton in Seattle's receiver corps -- and perhaps to secure a spot on the roster. Because for the first two weeks of camp, the rookie fifth-round pick has been consistently making plays while the veteran hasn't made many.
"He's doing a good job," Macdonald said of Valdes-Scantling. "The things that he does I think are going to show up more when we're live, with separating a defense, getting into that third level to open up some of those intermediate routes."
Seattle signed Valdes-Scantling to a one-year, $4 million deal in March, reuniting him with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak after the two were together last season in New Orleans. Cutting him would leave the Seahawks eating $3 million in dead money, while saving the remaining $1 million in cash and cap space. He doesn't play special teams, which could make it hard to justify a roster spot if he isn't one of their top three or four receivers.
That adds significance to the fact that Horton was running with the first team Tuesday along with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp and Jake Bobo. Working with the No. 2 offense during an 11-on-11 period, Valdes-Scantling delivered his biggest play of camp when Drew Lock hit him deep over the middle for a long touchdown.
"He knows he's in a battle," Macdonald said. "I think he respects Tory and what he's doing, and he's got a great attitude. He's had a tremendous attitude. He's a competitor at heart. He's had a great career, but there's also a lot of great competition, too. That's what you want from vets that you bring in. 'Hey, come in and bring it. If it doesn't go your way initially, the way you want it, that's OK. We're still halfway through, let's rock and roll. Go start stacking some more plays.' It's a fun competition to watch."
More:
Macdonald, who was absent Monday while tending to an undisclosed personal matter, said he was with his family. "Everything's positive," an upbeat Macdonald said. "Everything went great, and just very blessed, very blessed. But it's all positive. People have big problems out there, I don't."
After saying that Seattle's starters won't play Thursday in the team's preseason opener, Macdonald clarified some of the younger first-team players will see some action, as will some who are vying for starting jobs. He specifically mentioned rookie LG Grey Zabel, S Nick Emmanwori and TE Elijah Arroyo, the team's top three picks.
RB Kenneth Walker III returned after missing three practices with foot soreness. CB Shaquill Griffin (personal matter) was back at practice but did not participate after missing the past week and a half. C Olu Oluwatimi missed his second straight day because of a tight back, which left Jalen Sundell -- who's competing with him for the starting job -- to handle all the first-team reps. Macdonald said Oluwatimi is day-to-day. LB Tyrice Knight (knee) was sidelined for a second straight day and is getting imaging done, per Macdonald. He said DE Mike Morris (lower body) is also undergoing tests. LS Chris Stoll (back) remained out. Macdonald said he's getting better but that it's unclear when he'll return.
Monday, Aug. 4
Sam Darnold and the Seahawks' No. 1 offense put together another strong practice Monday, but the defense appears to still be further ahead.
And why wouldn't it be?
Whereas the offense underwent a full-scale transformation over the offseason, Mike Macdonald's side of the ball is a picture of continuity. The defense that finished ninth in points allowed last season after a second-half surge is running the same scheme with the same coaching staff and almost all the same pieces, with 13 of the 16 players who played at least 300 snaps last season back in the fold.
"Now we're a second year into that defense and I feel like ... last year you saw what we started to do at the end of the year and how we started to pick up," outside linebacker Boye Mafe said. "... Going into OTAs and going into this part of camp, now we're picking up where we left off and getting that gel and getting that understanding and really just making sure that we are all on the same page."
One of the few remaining question marks with Seattle's defense is with Mafe's position group, which also includes Derick Hall and veteran DeMarcus Lawrence. Given the uncertainty over whether Uchenna Nwosu (knee) will be ready by Week 1, the Seahawks could use another outside linebacker, which is why they had discussions with Von Miller before the future Hall of Famer signed with the Commanders instead.
Don't get your hopes on up on the Seahawks pursuing Micah Parsons, even if Jerry Jones were to reverse public course and make the Cowboys' star edge rusher available in a trade. Jadeveon Clowney is one name to keep in mind. He spent 2019 in Seattle and 2023 with the Ravens while Macdonald was Baltimore's defensive coordinator, so there's plenty of familiarity.
More:
Macdonald was not at practice Monday as he was tending to a personal matter. He's expected to be back as soon as Tuesday. Assistant head coach Leslie Frazier addressed the team after practice.
Running back Kenneth Walker III (foot) and long-snapper Chris Stoll (back) were among those who remained out. Walker has now missed three straight practices. Center Olu Oluwatimi was also absent for reasons unknown, which left Jalen Sundell to get all the No. 1 reps. Linebacker Tyrice Knight appeared to have an ice wrap on his upper right leg at one point in practice. Cornerback Shaquill Griffin is still absent for personal reasons.
Last week, Dareke Young made a handful of plays to aid his case for one of the final spots in the receiver rotation. On Monday, Cody White did the same, hauling in two touchdown passes from Jalen Milroe and then Drew Lock.
Saturday, Aug. 2
Zach Charbonnet is in line to have a bigger role in the Seahawks' backfield this season than you might assume. Ken Walker III might still be the RB1, but the ongoing questions about his durability and the way Charbonnet continues to impress Seattle's coaches suggests it could be more of a timeshare than a starter-backup arrangement.
Walker, slowed in the spring with an ankle injury, has now been sidelined the past two days because of his foot.
"It's just a little soreness with his foot right now," coach Mike Macdonald said after the Seahawks' annual practice at Lumen Field Saturday. "But he's fine. We're just taking care of him right now throughout camp."
In and of itself, it doesn't sound like a big deal. But in the context of Walker's long injury history, it hardly seems insignificant. He missed six games last season (oblique, calf, ankle), bringing his total to 10 missed games over three seasons.
Walker's absence last year opened the door for Charbonnet (909 scrimmage yards, nine total touchdowns in 17 games) to emerge. He routinely draws praise for his professional approach, and he's missed just one game in two seasons.
"Zach, he's just a stud," Macdonald said. "He's just everything you want in a person and a football player, that's him. He just does it every day. Same person, great spirit, strong as an ox, does everything right. I mean, what do you want from a football player? Zach Charbonnet."
Charbonnet's disciplined rushing style seems like a good fit for the outside zone scheme that will be a staple of Klint Kubiak's offense. And then there was this recent quote from Kubiak, who was asked during a radio interview about what skills make an elite running back.
"No. 1 is intelligence," Kubiak told Seattle Sports 710-AM. "No. 2 is longevity or just availability. Guys that are available for the whole game. The best backs that I've been around are super smart ... Our top two guys are doing some really good things, but Charbonnet, his mental approach to the game is extremely impressive. He does not flinch. If he ever has a question, you know you didn't coach it good enough because he is that on it. Really been impressed with him."
More:
Safety AJ Finley, who finished last season on Seattle's 53-man roster last year, suffered what appears to be a serious knee injury Saturday. Macdonald said the early indications are not positive, with Finley set to undergo more testing. The team knelt and said a prayer for him at the end of practice.
Christian Haynes, who's battling with Anthony Bradford and Jalen Sundell for the starting job at right guard, is dealing with a "little bit" of a pectoral injury, per Macdonald. He said Haynes should be OK, but it's an ill-timed injury given that he's clearly been behind Bradford, and that the coaching staff is getting closer to deciding on a starter at right guard (and at center).
The Seahawks might need to sign a temporary long snapper to play in their preseason opener Thursday -- or have fullback/tight end Brady Russell continue to fill in. Chris Stoll missed the end of practice Friday and sat out Saturday because his back locked up on him. "Not sure how long it's going to be," Macdonald said. "He may or may not be ready for the game next week so we'll have to figure that out." Russell snapped on a long field goal attempt that Jason Myers hit Saturday, but there was a caveat. "We slowed the rush down," Macdonald said. "We can't afford to lose Brady."
Macdonald said Seahawks starters won't play Thursday. The game will still have some intrigue with Pete Carroll and Geno Smith returning to Lumen Field as members of the Las Vegas Raiders. "We're not going to be playing our starters, but we're going to go compete like heck," he said. "I think Pete would appreciate that. I hope Pete gets a great ovation. He deserves it."
Friday, Aug. 1
Rookie wide receiver Tory Horton is making an airtight case for a spot on the 53-man roster. A week and a half into training camp, the question with Seattle's fifth-round pick no longer seems to be about his health or his chances of making the team but rather how much he could contribute right away.
Horton kept his strong start going by delivering his best day yet on Friday. It started with a difficult catch over the middle in which he adjusted his body mid-air to pluck a Drew Lock throw. In a one-on-one rep, he used a double move for a decisive win. Then came a toe-tapping sideline catch, followed by an impressive reception in the red zone.
Horton has come a long way in a hurry from the spring, when he was limited by a knee injury from college.
"Even though I'm on defense, I'm like, 'Ooh, that's a crazy catch right there,'" rookie safety Nick Emmanwori said. "So just give him props for that. I'm just glad we got him honestly. I think he's going to be the steal of the draft. Once he gets on the field, he'll definitely show what he can do, for sure."
Horton is also squarely in the mix to serve as Seattle's punt returner, a role he filled over his three seasons at Colorado State. He scored three touchdowns in that span and had a 26.3.-yard average on four returns last year before a knee injury ended his season after six games. He was still not fully recovered when he ran a 4.41 40-yard dash at the scouting combine, showing the speed that could make him an effective deep threat.
The Seahawks signed veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling to replace DK Metcalf in that role, and his contract (one year, $4 million with $3 million guaranteed) suggests he's likely to serve as WR3 behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp. But Horton is playing his way into the rotation.
"I'm very proud of him for him coming in and not being able to get team reps [in the spring] to coming out today -- really this whole week he's been coming out working, he's been coming out with his head on fire," tight end Elijah Arroyo said. "Just hats off to him. I'm proud of him."
That catch though. 😮💨
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 2, 2025
Powered by @Boeing pic.twitter.com/D4DqDWR9y7
More:
Emmanwori continues to make plays. The rookie second-round pick notched his third interception of the week when he came down with a deep ball that bounced off Arroyo's hands. "Don't throw that s--- on me!" he shouted while running by the offense on the sideline. "I think that's just the work I've been putting in," Emmanwori said of his play-making this week. "The ball's just been finding me."
Linebacker Ernest Jones IV returned to practice after missing several days to tend to a personal family matter. Cornerback Shaquill Griffin, also absent for personal reasons, remained out. Long-snapper Chris Stoll left practice early, walking gingerly to the locker room alongside a team staffer.
Jalen Sundell got extensive reps with the No. 1 offense at center, where he's been battling Olu Oluwatimi. Sundell has also been in the mix at right guard along with Anthony Bradford (who got most of the first-team work Friday) and Christian Haynes.
Thursday, July 31
For the first time since training camp started, Jalen Milroe flashed the breathtaking running ability that could add a dangerous wrinkle to the Seahawks' offense in 2025.
To this point, they've had their rookie third-round pick focus mostly on learning the basics of Klint Kubiak's scheme as opposed to any specialty plays they'll devise to take advantage of his legs. That has left Milroe without many opportunities to showcase that element of his game -- until Thursday.
With Milroe quarterbacking the third-team offense during a two-minute period late in practice, Kubiak had him roll out to his left on a bootleg. Milroe turned the corner, and with the Blue Angels buzzing overhead, he turned on the jets for a gain of roughly 20 yards. Shortly after, he zipped a ball to fullback Brady Russell on a post route, picking up 35-plus yards.
It was a strong bounce-back from some earlier miscues, which included one throw that was intercepted by safety Nick Emmanwori.
"We were throwing a lot at him schematically on defense, but it's good for him to kind of get trial by fire in some of those situational things and we'll learn from those early in practice," coach Mike Macdonald said. "To be able to come back in a critical 2-minute situation and basically win the game for the offense by making two really great plays, and that's not an easy operation right there at the end ... it's great to see. So it just shows you the rebound, the poise. It was awesome to see. He ended practice the right way."
More:
Emmanwori's diving interception of Milroe was his second of camp, following a pick-six by the rookie second-round pick on Monday. The Seahawks are expecting Emmanwori to play extensively in sub packages right away, but Macdonald is trying to not overload him with instructions lest he feel unable to cut it loose. "You have to be careful that you don't take the playmaker out of the player, so that's something that's kind of on my mind," the coach said. "But he just keeps learning and keeps executing and keeps making plays."
The Seahawks are getting closer to determining their starter at right guard, though the competition will likely last beyond their first preseason game. "I wouldn't say we've made decisions yet but it's starting to come into focus a little bit," Macdonald said. Anthony Bradford remains the favorite at right guard over Christian Haynes and Jalen Sundell, who has also been competing with Olu Oluwatimi at center. "AB's been really intentional," Macdonald said. "You see his ability, which is really great to see. That's obviously a great element of physicality ... Christian's right in there and then Jalen's doing a great job, too. We've got to get that figured out pretty soon." Haynes has also been taking snaps at center. He airmailed one shotgun snap to Drew Lock on Thursday and was high on another.
Wednesday, July 30
If Kenneth Walker III stays healthy and delivers a bounce-back season in 2025, the Seahawks can thank Ken Walker II.
The Seahawks' fourth-year running back said Wednesday that he's feeling the positive effects of changes he made this offseason to his diet and sleep schedule, which came at his father's urging. Walker was more interested in talking about his new health kick than a potential contract extension, which does not seem to be in the offing.
"My pops really helped me out with my routine and everything, my eating habits," he said. "If I eat something, he'll be like, 'Nah, you shouldn't be eating that.' He's always on top of me about that type of stuff. So now I just have the discipline to do it."
Walker said he's eating more of his meals at the team facility as part of a cleaner diet. And while he used to stay up until around 1 in the morning, he's now getting to bed by around 10 or 10:30. Between the added sleep and extra recovery work he's doing at home, his legs are feeling fresher.
"I definitely feel it in my performance," he said.
The changes come at a critical time for Walker. He's entering the last year of his rookie contract coming off a season in which he missed six games and rushed for a career-low 573 yards, having topped 900 yards in each of his first two seasons. Walker politely declined to talk about his contract situation, though he did say that to his knowledge, the Seahawks and his representatives haven't had any discussions about an extension.
More:
The Seahawks held a walk-through-style practice, with T-shirts and no helmets after two straight days in full pads. Walker took part after sitting out Tuesday. Left tackle Charles Cross was not present for reasons unknown. Linebacker Ernest Jones IV and cornerback Shaquill Griffin remained absent; coach Mike Macdonald has said they are dealing with personal matters.
Tuesday, July 29
Jaxon Smith-Njigba lined up outside the numbers on the far left side of the field, got behind cornerback Josh Jobe on a go route and hauled in a deep throw from Sam Darnold for a 35-yard gain.
The play highlighted a bounce-back day for the Seahawks' No. 1 offense, and it helped serve as another counterpoint to a common narrative about their receiver corps. Yes, there is a good deal of overlap in the skillsets of Smith-Njigba and free-agent addition Cooper Kupp. But while both have mostly operated out of the slot, they've shown they can also win from the outside.
Over Smith-Njigba's two seasons, 33% of his receptions and three of his 10 touchdowns have come on plays in which he lined up out wide, according to TruMedia. Over Kupp's eight seasons with the Rams, 34% of his catches and 19 of his 57 touchdowns came as an outside receiver.
"I definitely wouldn't categorize him as just as slot receiver," safety Julian Love said of Smith-Njigba. "He's, I think, one of the best receivers in the league. He has every skillset that you need to be a top-end receiver in this league: speed, route-running, catch radius, yards after catch. He has everything checked off. I can't speak highly enough of Jax. He works hard, he gets after it, he has a little chip on his shoulder. I hope he gets the recognition that is warranted this early in his career."
More:
Dareke Young made a catch in a one-on-one rep that would've made Randy Moss proud, leaping over cornerback Damarion Williams' back to snag a deep throw from Drew Lock. Young, battling for the final receiver spot, had another nice catch on a crossing route late in practice.
Cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett, another player on the roster bubble, had two big moments of his own. He intercepted Lock on a throw to Marquez Valdes-Scantling and later broke up a deep ball in a one-on-one rep against rookie Tyrone Broden.
Offensive linemen have to work as one in order to succeed, and in the name of chemistry, the left side of Seattle's line shared a moment after practice. Grey Zabel and Charles Cross each shotgunned a can of Gatorade. "I just had to show him a few Midwest traditions and stuff as we're really getting to know each other," said Zabel, the left guard the Seahawks chose 18th overall out of North Dakota State. Zabel's flawless execution, even in padded gloves, made it clear it wasn't his first time using that technique to chug a sports drink. "Probably won't be my last time," he said.
I'll have some notes and observations from today's practice in a bit. For now, here's a video of Grey Zabel and Charles Cross shotgunning Gatorades. pic.twitter.com/8fXnrPPSq1
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) July 29, 2025
Monday, July 28
The first padded practice of camp was won by the defense, and safety Nick Emmanwori delivered the biggest play. With the offense backed up against its own end zone, Emmanwori intercepted a short throw over the middle from fellow rookie Jalen Milroe and returned it for a touchdown -- the first highlight moment for Seattle's second-round pick.
"It was a great play," coach Mike Macdonald said. "I wish he'd put the ball away when he caught it. I was just asking him, 'Hey man, are you having fun out here or what?' Great atmosphere, competing, we're asking a lot out of him, he's playing hard, learning a lot, but good to see him make a play."
The Seahawks attempted to trade up to take Emmanwori with the final pick of the first round before climbing 17 spots in the Round 2 to take him 35th overall. The selection raised an immediate question about the future of Coby Bryant, who's entering the final year of his rookie deal after emerging as an impact player last season.
But the Seahawks are using Emmanwori in sub packages and playing him at the second level, with Bryant -- a candidate for an extension -- remaining at safety with the No. 1 defense alongside Julian Love.
"It's exciting," Bryant said of Seattle adding Emmanwori. "I am who I am. Nick is a great player, a great person. We're ultimately going to compete. It's going to make the room better. It's exciting, for sure."
More:
Macdonald confirmed that running back Kenny McIntosh has a torn ACL and will have surgery soon. Rookie seventh-round pick Damien Martinez now has a clear path to that role if he can beat out George Holani. "I think today was his best day he's had," Macdonald said of Martinez, who stood out in the blitz-pickup drill. "I had a feeling that he would show up a little bit more with the pads [on], so hopefully that trend continues."
Middle linebacker Ernest Jones IV was absent Monday because of a personal matter, per Macdonald. Cornerback Shaquill Griffin has missed three straight practices, also due to personal reasons, but Macdonald expects him to return early this week.
Christian Haynes, who's battling for the starting right guard job, had a good day in the one-on-one pass-rush drill, highlighted by two stout reps against Byron Murphy II. Anthony Bradford still appears to be in the lead, but Macdonald has said the battles at right guard and center could continue into the preseason before the coaching staff decides who will start.
Saturday, July 26
Third-year running back Kenny McIntosh went down in obvious pain during a special teams period early in practice. McIntosh's reaction initially gave the impression that he may have suffered a serious leg injury, as did the fact that he couldn't put any weight on his left foot as he was helped off the field.
A source told ESPN's Adam Schefter that McIntosh is believed to have a torn ACL, pending further testing.
McIntosh, a seventh-round pick in 2023, had been vying to fill the No. 3 running back role behind Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. The Seahawks drafted Damien Martinez in the seventh round to compete for that job. George Holani and undrafted rookie Jacardia Wright round out their backfield depth.
If McIntosh misses extended time, it could also impact the Seahawks' special teams, as he was a candidate to serve as one of their kickoff returners. He posted a 25.5-yard average on six returns last season while carrying 31 times for 172 yards.
More:
Cornerback Shaquill Griffin missed his second straight practice. Coach Mike Macdonald said Friday he was dealing with a personal matter and that he should be back before long.
Friday, July 25
Derick Hall has staked an early claim to the most jaw-dropping play of Seahawks training camp. In an 11-on-11 period Friday, the third-year outside linebacker overpowered Josh Jones on a pass rush with a shove that lifted the 339-pound swing tackle into the air and onto his backside.
As Hall barked at Jones, several defenders ran over to join him in celebration. Leonard Williams was among them, flexing his muscles in a nod to Hall's display of brute strength.
"We was rushing right beside each other," defensive tackle Jarran Reed said. "I actually had to get out the way, because when he threw him, he threw him right in the path we were rushing. ... It was pretty sweet, and it looks even better on film, too. They were chirping all practice, so we knew something was going to happen."
The Seahawks won't be in pads until Monday, but their third practice had the kind of intensity you usually don't see until a week or so into training camp.
"That was a great practice," coach Mike Macdonald said. "A lot of great spirit, a lot of great competition. It's the right mix of, hey, we're getting after it but we're taking care of one another, we're sharpening each other, talking some smack."
More:
The Seahawks could use a second-year jump from defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, who managed only a half sack as a rookie after Seattle chose him 16th. Reed can envision that -- and then some. "In my mind, I can see him being Defensive Player of the Year," Reed said. "Great guy, man. He works hard, he listens, he's strong as s---, he's fast and he's strong as s---. I don't think nobody should be able to block him, for real."
One sneaky significant development early in camp is that rookie Tory Horton -- who's vying to be Seattle's fourth receiver and primary punt returner -- is healthy and making plays. The fifth-round pick had two noteworthy catches Friday, including a late touchdown against the No. 1 defense on a throw from Drew Lock. Horton's final college season was cut short by a leg injury that was limiting him in the spring, but he avoided PUP and appears to be nearing full strength.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba delivered the quote of the day while describing in vague terms the yet-to-be-unveiled uniforms the Seahawks will wear in Week 16 against the Rams as part of the NFL's Rivalry program. "They look really clean," the receiver said. "Even the guys that have no swag are going to look good out there."
Thursday, July 24
Playing fast and decisive is one of Sam Darnold's focuses during training camp as he prepares to quarterback Klint Kubiak's offense, and that means listening to his feet.
"You're throwing concepts on certain hitches," Darnold explained Thursday. "So if I take a seven-step drop and I hitch one time and I'm supposed to be throwing a certain route, if I hitch again, I shouldn't be throwing that route anymore because it's all timing based.
"So I think when we say listen to our feet, that's kind of what we mean by that. If we're hitching two or three times on a longer route, usually it should be going down to a check down."
Darnold has talked about the need to get the ball out on time after his 2024 Pro Bowl season ended with two poor performances, including a nine-sack debacle in the Vikings' playoff loss. His average time before throw in the regular season was 3.08 seconds, slower than 33 qualified quarterbacks. His 7.7% sack rate was 10th-highest.
"If my first read's not there, check it down," he said. "There's no reason to sit in the pocket a little longer because I think something might open up, especially on first and second down. Just get it to the check down and move on."
More:
Rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo is off to a nice start in his first training camp. Seattle's second-round pick has been making plays and drawing praise for how well he knows the playbook. "You can already tell he studied a ton in the summer," Darnold said. That comment was echoed by second-year tight end AJ Barner, who has jumped to the top of the depth chart along with Arroyo in the wake of Noah Fant's release.
D'Anthony Bell had the lone interception Thursday, stepping in front of an over-the-middle throw from Darnold to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Bell, 28, is vying to be Seattle's fourth safety after signing a one-year, $1.37M deal in March that included $225,000 guaranteed.
Wednesday, July 23
The Seahawks signed DeMarcus Lawrence in March to bolster their rotation of edge defenders, and with Uchenna Nwosu's availability for the start of the season in question, they might have to lean heavily on the former Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl end.
After the first practice of training camp Wednesday, coach Mike Macdonald said Nwosu (knee) may not be ready by Week 1. He also lauded Lawrence, 33, for how he practices, even as he enters his 12th season, echoing earlier praise from Leonard Williams.
"He's like the best drill player I've ever seen in my life," Macdonald said. "You could ask him to do any drill known to mankind, and just the trust he has in why you're doing it, it is 1,000% every rep, the intent of what he's trying to create -- that's the standard that he's setting for our front. So the guys don't have a choice but to fall in line. It's just exciting to see him out there working.
"You know what he can do on the field. The tape speaks for itself. But you understand how it comes to life based on how he works."
Mike Macdonald loves the intent with which DeMarcus Lawrence practices, even in Year 12.
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) July 24, 2025
"He's like the best drill player I've ever seen in my life. You could ask him to do any drill known to mankind, and just the trust he has in why you're doing it, it is 1,000% every rep." pic.twitter.com/jLSDjE0bHH
More:
Running back Kenneth Walker III, limited in the spring with an ankle injury, did everything Wednesday. "He looks great," Macdonald said. "He's in a great spot mentally. Awesome to see him do all the things we want him to do from the get-go. I know he's really excited about what's going on. Great first day with Ken."
Macdonald revealed nose tackle Johnathan Hankins is starting camp on the non-football injury list as he works through a back issue. "Long term, I think he's going to be fine," Macdonald said. "But he's working through it. Hank's a vet. He's a 12-year guy. We're taking our time with it, so we're not in a hurry."