Seahawks Catch Big Break On Super-Bowl-Winning Defensive Leader’s Injury
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Seattle exhaled Sunday night. After linebacker Ernest Jones IV exited the Seahawks 38-14 domination of the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football with a knee injury and was ruled out, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald downplayed long-term concern postgame. “It’s not season ending, but we’ll see,” Macdonald said in a post-game press conference and reported by multiple outlets, adding that Jones has “a bit of a knee” and may miss a game or two while the team gathers more information.
“It’s not season ending, but we’ll see.”
Macdonald said Ernest Jones may miss a game or two, but they need to get more information
A more formal update is likely to come in the next day or two.
What Macdonald Said & What It Means
The key takeaway is relief. Seattle’s on-field defensive signal-caller avoided the worst-case scenario, even if the immediate timeline remains unclear. Macdonald’s phrasing—“not sure of immediate timeline,” “we’ll see” — signals the organization will wait on follow-up evaluation before projecting a return date. Practically, that points to imaging and day-to-day rechecks early this week, with availability updates appearing on the first official practice report.
For fans tracking roles: if Jones sits briefly, Seattle can lean on Drake Thomas to wear the green dot, with Tyrice Knight factoring into base and sub packages depending on opponent and game script. That combination was already in motion after Jones left late in the first half, and it kept the communication chain intact the rest of the night.
Why Jones Matters So Much
Big loss for the Seahawks if Ernest Jones is out for a significant time.
🎥 @sluggahjells
Before the injury, Jones had six total tackles against the Washington Commanders and, more importantly, his usual command of Seattle’s front seven—setting run fits, checking coverages and disguising pressure. Since arriving via trade last season, he’s grown into the defense’s traffic cop, the kind of middle-field presence you notice more when he’s not there. He also carries championship experience from his Super Bowl run with the Rams, a piece of institutional memory that shows up in tight red-zone calls and third-down adjustments.
Seattle’s scheme under Macdonald thrives on late movement, tight spacing and smart leverage—things that are easier with a veteran communicator at the second level. Without Jones for a week or two, the Seahawks can trim the call sheet, emphasize fast communication, and let Thomas’ voice carry the huddle while Knight’s range covers grass.
The Short-Term Plan
Expect the club to proceed conservatively. If Jones is truly “a bit of a knee,” there’s no incentive to force the issue in November. Thomas has shown he can handle the dot, and Knight’s snaps can scale to matchup needs. The staff can toggle personnel—big nickel, 4–2–5, or heavier looks—while protecting the second level with cleaner fits from the front.
The Seahawks also signaled confidence with how they finished the game: the defense held its structure while the offense built a cushion. That’s usually the tell that the communication scaffolding is in place, even when the primary signal-caller exits.
The Seahawks will have two big NFC West tests to see how they fare, potentially without Jones. The Seahawks face the Cardinals in Seattle on Novermber 9, and then travel to Los Angeles to face the Rams on November 16.
Packers’ Trade Deadline Plans Shift as Luke Musgrave Becomes the Key Tight End
A serious blow to the Green Bay Packers’ tight end room has sent shockwaves through the locker room. With
The Impact of Kraft’s Injury
Kraft, who had been one of the most reliable offensive weapons for the Packers this season, suffered the devastating injury during the Packers' Week 9 loss to the
“Losing Tucker hurts the whole offense. He was a big piece of what we do here,”
said Aaron Rodgers, the Packers' veteran quarterback. “But injuries are part of the game. We’ve got to keep pushing forward.”
While the team initially planned to move forward with Kraft and Musgrave sharing the load, the injury changes everything. The Packers are now faced with the decision to lean heavily on Musgrave for the remainder of the season.
Musgrave’s Trade Status Shifts
Before the injury, there had been rumors circulating that the Packers might be open to trading Luke Musgrave, especially with the team’s growing confidence in
“It’s unfortunate for Tucker, but now it’s my time to step up,”
said Luke Musgrave after the injury news broke. “I’ve been working hard to get better, and I’m ready to do whatever this team needs from me. I’m not thinking about trades or anything else. I’m focused on helping us win.”
Musgrave’s role with the team becomes crucial, and it’s clear the Packers are counting on him to fill the void left by Kraft. His development as a starting tight end will be key in the Packers’ offensive game plan moving forward.
What the Packers Need From Musgrave
Musgrave, who had previously been a bit player in the offense, will now have to prove he can be the consistent, playmaking tight end the Packers need. With only
“We’ve got to have someone step up. Musgrave has the talent, but now he’s got to show it week in and week out,”
said Matt LaFleur, the Packers’ head coach. “We’re putting our trust in Luke, and he’s going to have a bigger role than ever.”
Musgrave’s challenge will be to prove he can take the reins at tight end and develop chemistry with
Looking Forward
The Packers' immediate future now hinges on Musgrave's ability to step into the spotlight. The loss of Kraft could have long‑term implications, but for the rest of the 2025 season, Musgrave must deliver in the short term.
“This is a tough situation for everyone, but we’re a team, and we’ve got to keep grinding,” said David Bakhtiari, Packers offensive tackle. “Luke’s ready. We all believe in him.”
The Packers will likely explore adding another tight end for depth, but for now, Musgrave is the primary option. His performance over the next few weeks could very well shape his future in Green Bay — and the future of the team’s offense.
Final Thoughts
While Kraft’s injury is a huge setback, it opens the door for Musgrave to solidify his place in the Packers' offense. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, his immediate role is clear: show the Packers he’s ready to be their top tight end and take on a leadership role in the passing game.
The stakes have never been higher for Musgrave, but with his maturity and determination, he may be able to seize this opportunity and help the Packers move forward after Kraft’s heartbreaking injury.
