Seahawks Place Julian Love and Eric Saubert on Injured Reserve Ahead of Commanders Showdown

The Seattle Seahawks are preparing for one of their most important games of the season as they face the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football. With the team locked in a tie with the Los Angeles Rams atop the NFC West, Seattle hoped to use its bye week to regroup, heal, and regain momentum entering the second half of the season.

Instead, injuries continue to shape the team’s immediate outlook. Quarterback Sam Darnold will play through a chest injury, while star wide receiver Cooper Kupp remains questionable with two lower-body issues. But the bigger setback came Saturday when the Seahawks placed starting safety Julian Love and backup tight end Eric Saubert on injured reserve, ruling both players out for at least the next four games.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Love and Saubert will be unavailable for upcoming contests against the Commanders, Titans, Rams, and Cardinals, with the earliest possible return coming in Week 13 versus the Minnesota Vikings. The decision underscores the team’s cautious approach as it aims to preserve roster health for a potential playoff run.

The timing is challenging for Seattle, which relies on defensive stability and depth at tight end to complement its offensive rhythm. While the team’s core remains largely intact, these injuries will test its depth and adaptability during a pivotal stretch.

1. Love’s Setback Forces Shuffle in Secondary

Julian Love’s absence is a significant loss for a Seahawks defense that has quietly been among the NFC’s most disciplined units. The 26-year-old safety suffered a hamstring injury in Week 2 against Pittsburgh and has missed four of Seattle’s past five games. Team officials were optimistic that the bye week would allow him to return alongside cornerback Devon Witherspoon and linebacker Derick Hall. However, Love reportedly experienced a setback during practice earlier this week, leading the Seahawks to place him on injured reserve rather than risk aggravating the injury further. Head coach Mike Macdonald and the training staff opted for long-term caution over short-term availability. Love’s absence opens the door for Ty Okada, who is expected to start at safety against Washington. Okada has served primarily as a rotational player this season but impressed coaches with his tackling consistency and coverage instincts. His role will now expand significantly in the coming weeks. The team also elevated safety Jerrick Reed from the practice squad to reinforce the secondary. Reed, who has appeared in three games this season, will provide depth and special teams support as the Seahawks adjust to life without one of their defensive anchors.

2. Tight End Group Thins as Saubert Sidelined

On the offensive side, the loss of tight end Eric Saubert further thins Seattle’s depth at the position. Saubert, a reliable blocker and occasional receiving target, was sidelined all week with a calf injury before being placed on IR. His absence leaves the tight end rotation in the hands of AJ Barner, Elijah Arroyo, and third-string option Nick Kallerup. Kallerup, who has primarily contributed on special teams, is expected to see expanded snaps in both passing and blocking packages. The team’s reliance on multi-tight-end formations means his adjustment will be critical to maintaining offensive balance, especially in short-yardage and red-zone situations. The Seahawks’ coaching staff emphasized the importance of next-man-up readiness as the team continues to deal with roster turnover. While neither Love nor Saubert’s injuries are considered season-ending, their simultaneous absence disrupts continuity on both sides of the ball. Seattle also elevated fullback Robbie Ouzts from the practice squad to strengthen its run-blocking corps. Ouzts returns after missing five weeks with an ankle injury and could play a key role in supporting the ground game alongside Kenneth Walker III.

3. Short-Handed but Focused on the NFC West Race

Despite the injuries, the Seahawks remain focused on maintaining their position in the NFC West race. The team sits tied with the Rams at the top of the division and is looking to build momentum following an uneven start to the season. Sunday’s matchup with Washington provides a nationally televised opportunity to reassert their standing as playoff contenders. Head coach Mike Macdonald expressed confidence in his team’s ability to adapt. The bye week offered both rest and preparation time, allowing the coaching staff to refine game plans that can compensate for the temporary absences. With Sam Darnold pushing through injury and the defense adjusting to personnel changes, Seattle’s depth and resilience will be tested. But the organization’s message remains consistent — prioritize health, trust the system, and prepare for a late-season surge. As the Seahawks prepare for a demanding four-game stretch, their performance without key contributors could define how the rest of their season unfolds.