The Seahawks signed Luke Willson to their practice squad on Wednesday, bringing back the veteran tight end who has been a fan favorite since first arriving in Seattle as a fifth-round pick in 2013.
The Seahawks also brought back to the practice squad linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong, an eight-year veteran who has spent most of the season on Seattle's practice squad. Armstrong has appeared in two games for Seattle as a practice squad elevation, a Week 7 loss to Arizona and a Week 14 win over the New York Jets.
Willson, who spent his first five seasons in Seattle before leaving in free agency in 2018, returned to Seattle last season following the trade that sent tight end Nick Vannett to Pittsburgh, then re-signed as a free agent in April.
Willson appeared in five games for the Seahawks this season before being released after rookie tight end Colby Parkinson was activated off the non-football injury list, then spent three games with the Baltimore Ravens before they let him go earlier this month. After releasing Willson, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll made it clear the team was open to a reunion.
"I would love to see Luke back," Carroll said. "I love him on our team."
Willson has appeared in 85 games for the Seahawks over seven seasons, starting 44 with 97 catches for 1,208 yards and 11 touchdowns, played on two Super Bowl teams, and caught the most famous 2-point conversion in team history, a catch that gave the Seahawks a 3-point lead late in their NFC Championship Game victory over the Packers. In addition to providing depth at tight end, Willson has been a strong special teams player throughout his career so he could also help the team there.
The Seahawks had two openings on their practice squad, having released cornerback DeMarkus Acy and defensive tackle Myles Adams on Tuesday.
Go behind the scenes with team photographer Rod Mar as he shares moments from the Seattle Seahawks' Week 16 game vs. the Los Angeles Rams. Eye on the Hawks is presented by Western Washington Toyota Dealers.
Russell Wilson arrived at Lumen Field for the Week 16 matchup with the Rams wearing a customized Kobe Bryant jersey that featured an "8" on the front and a "24" on the back, both numbers the basketball superstar wore during his career.
Seahawks special team Pro Bowler Nick Bellore heads to the locker room upon arriving to the game.
On the field, linebacker Jordyn Brooks does his early pregame warmups.
Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf turns upfield after catching a pass during early warmups.
Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin stretches on the field during early pregame warmups.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson heads to the locker room after taking his early practice throws.
Seahawks receiver David Moore elevates to make a catch during early warmups.
Seahawks safety Jamal Adams emerges from the tunnel onto the field for pregame warmups.
Seahawks safety Jamal Adams rallies the defensive backs before they take the field.
Seahawks "big men" wait to take the field for pregame warmups.
Seahawks quarterback and offensive captain Russell Wilson gathers the team around him during pregame.
Seahawks defensive captain Bobby Wagner stretches with teammates prior to the game.
Defensive end Carlos Dunlap flashes his gloves during the team stretch portion of warmups.
Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright receives the Steve Largent Award as voted on by teammates as quarterback Geno Smith photobombs his award presentation.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson greets Rams quarterback Jared Goff at midfield prior to the opening coin toss.
Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin makes a tackle in the first quarter.
Seahawks defensive tackle Poona Ford hits Rams quarterback Jared Goff as he throws, resulting in an incomplete pass in the first quarter.
Seahawks special teams members Jacob Hollister and Shaquem Griffin combine to make a tackle.
Seahawks defensive end Benson Mayowa is fired up after making a tackle for loss.
Seahawks running back Chris Carson finds a seam in the Rams defense for a big gain in the first half.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers converts a 45-yard field goal in the second quarter.
Seahawks defensive lineman Bryan Mone tackles Rams receiver Roberts Woods.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson lets loose with a long pass from a clean pocket.
Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs intercepts a pass thrown by Rams quarterback Jared Goff in the second quarter.
Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs returns his interception for 25 yards in the second quarter.
Seahawks receiver David Moore heads to the turf after making a leaping catch for a 45-yard gain, setting up Seattle's first touchdown.
Seahawks receiver David Moore signals "first down" after a 45-yard reception along the sideline as teammate Bobby Wagner joins the celebration.
Seahawks safety Jamal Adams tracks down and stops Rams running back Darrell Henderson short of the goal line to save a touchdown at the end of the third quarter.
Seahawks defenders including Jordyn Brooks, K.J. Wright, Carlos Dunlap, Jarran Reed, D.J. Reed and Quandre Diggs celebrate during their goal line stand that kept the Rams out of the end zone in the fourth quarter.
The game was played on a pleasant December afternoon at Lumen Field.
Seahawks tight end Jacob Hollister leaps to catch a 13-yard touchdown pass to give Seattle a 20-9 lead late in the game.
Seahawks safety Jamal Adams and his defensive teammates celebrate as they hold the Rams to no touchdowns in a 20-9 victory to claim the NFC West crown.
Seahawks defensive lineman Jarran Reed sacks Rams quarterback Jared Goff on L.A.'s final drive.
Seahawks left tackle Duane Brown is all smiles after the NFC West clinching victory.
Seahawks Russell Wilson and Jamal Adams celebrates on the field after the win. Adams is wearing a ball cap proclaiming the Seahawks as NFC West champs.
Seahawks mascot Blitz waves the 12 flag in the otherwise empty stands of Lumen Field after the game.
Seahawks defensive lineman Poona Ford sports his NFC West Champion t-shirt as he leaves the locker room after the game.
Long after the game, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson walks back onto the field for a last look.
