RENTON, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks had been eyeing Rashid Shaheed as a possible commerce goal lengthy earlier than a current slew of accidents hit their large receiver corps. However with the chance that Seattle will likely be shorthanded at that place this week, Shaheed’s arrival by way of a commerce with the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday got here at simply the fitting 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 observe Friday. Even when Kupp performs, the Seahawks are more likely to be with out three different receivers, as backups Jake Bobo (calf) and Dareke Younger (hip) had been dominated out and Tory Horton (groin/shin) is uncertain.
Shaheed, who arrived on the Seahawks’ headquarters Wednesday morning after the crew acquired him for fourth- and fifth-round picks, may have to play extensively in his Seattle debut.
“He is doing nice,” coach Mike Macdonald mentioned. “Simply preserve attacking it. … He is finished an important job to date, and the prep will not cease till right through sport 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 ought to be streamlined because of his familiarity with coordinator Klint Kubiak’s scheme. Kubiak was the Saints’ offensive coordinator final season, and Shaheed mentioned 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 he has gotten down.
“It is totally different since you’re solely studying the sport plan performs, so now we have a plan for him,” Macdonald mentioned. “However I am unable to wait to see him play. He is finished an important job.”
Shaheed is more likely to be a part of the Seahawks’ return sport Sunday, in response to Macdonald. Horton is the crew’s punt returner, and Younger is certainly one of their two main kickoff returners.
The Seahawks had 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 damage, however Macdonald mentioned he then had hassle with a lingering shin damage from the Washington sport that sidelined him Thursday and Friday.
Kupp did not observe Wednesday, then went from restricted Thursday to a full participant Friday.
“Coop’s an animal,” Macdonald mentioned. “He is nice. It is spectacular to see what he is prepared to do to get able to play a sport. It means lots to him. He is finished an important job this week.”
Jones suffered a proper knee damage within the first half towards Washington and didn’t return. He was a restricted participant the primary two days this week — and was seen sporting a brace throughout the open viewing window — however did not observe Friday.
Assuming Jones does not play, second-year linebacker Tyrice Knight will begin towards Arizona. Knight started the season because the starter on the weak aspect earlier than shedding the job to Drake Thomas. Macdonald mentioned Thomas would take over because the defensive sign caller in Jones’ absence.
Macdonald mentioned Jobe made progress within the concussion protocol although he missed all three practices this week. Riq Woolen is anticipated to begin in his place.