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Rayshawn Jenkins' Return Creates 'Good Problems' For Seahawks At Safety

Rayshawn Jenkins returned to practice Wednesday, giving the Seahawks more depth at talent.

Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) practiced on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) practiced on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.

After missing four games on injured reserve due to a hand injury, safety Rayshawn Jenkins returned to practice on Wednesday.

And unlike some situations where a returning player needs multiple weeks of practice to be game ready, Jenkins, who started the first six games of the season, and who, because of the nature of the injury, has been able to do conditioning work leading up to this return to practice, could be back as soon as this Sunday when the Seahawks host the Cardinals.

"He looks good," Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. "He's in good spirits. Just adding another great player to our guys and kind of getting back in the mix with how we're going to be able to utilize those safeties. It's exciting times to see how the week will shake out."

Macdonald added when asked about Jenkins' return, "I think it'll be sooner than later."

Jenkins' return creates an interesting dilemma for Macdonald and company, because his replacement over the last four games, Coby Bryant, has played very well, meaning it will be hard to take him off the field. Prior to Jenkins' injury, he and Julian Love were the two starters, with K'Von Wallace acting as the third safety in certain packages. With Wallace on injured reserve, there is still an opportunity for Love, Bryant and Jenkins to all see the field a lot, the question is whether Jenkins immediately goes back to be an every-down player or if Bryant holds onto that role.

"We're getting some depth back," Macdonald said. "We're missing K'Von right now, but Ty (Okada) being able to step up, getting Rayshawn back probably this week, I mean it's just good problems to have. Good players, that play multiple spots. You don't want to get too cute with it because then you get kind of in disarray a little bit. So, trying to maximize our continuity back there as well as seamlessly getting Rayshawn back into the fold. So yeah, it's exciting."

Abraham Lucas "In a good spot" after making 2024 debut.

Right tackle Abraham Lucas made his season debut last week, starting and playing 42 of Seattle's 60 offensive snaps in a win over the 49ers. And other than some expected soreness, Lucas came out of the game in good shape, Macdonald said.

"He's in a good spot to my knowledge," he said. "I'm sure he's a little sore, but out there today, good spirits."

On Lucas' first game, Macdonald said, "This guy's just a physically imposing presence to start. Not that the other guys don't, but Abe, his calling card is physicality. How hard he plays is an anchor point right now on the line. It's just great to see him out there."

The Seahawks used rookie Michael Jerrell for a few series to limit Lucas' work load on Sunday—Macdonald said Lucas actually hit his planned number of snaps prior to the Seahawks' game-winning drive—and it has yet to be determined if that will be the plan again this week or if Lucas is ready for every-down action.

"Not sure," Macdonald said when asked if Lucas will be on a pitch count, so to speak. "You'd like to say no, but we're not up to that point yet in the week in terms of making that decision."

Injury updates.

The Seahawks had two players leave Sunday's game due to injury, receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (oblique) and cornerback Dee Williams (ankle), who serve as Seattle's two primary kick returners, with Williams also handling punt return duties.

Both players avoided serious injury, but their status for this week is not yet known.

On Shenault, Macdonald said, "We're taking it day-to-day right now, but I think we should have him practicing in the next couple of days."

And on Williams, Macdonald said, "I think it's nothing serious right now, we'll see how it works out today. I'd say it's day-to-day at this point."

The Seahawks held their first practice of the week on Wednesday, November 20 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center as they prepare for an upcoming Week 12 matchup vs. the Arizona Cardinals.

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