Seattle Seahawks Release QB Josh Portis

Well, I didn’t see this coming. QB Josh Portis was released by the Seahawks today. Portis had been on the practice squad all year, after being on the 53 man roster a year ago. Combined, he’s been Seattle’s 3rd string QB for the past 28 games.

Aug 30, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Josh Portis (2) scrambles out of the pocket against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE

Seahawks coaches were generally high on Portis since he joined the team as an undrafted free agent in 2011. Pete Carroll even claimed that he would have been a 4th round pick had he been in the 2012 draft class.

Because of the 3-way QB competition that did not include Portis during training camp, he received almost no reps in practice, and did not play in the preseason until week 3. He then proceeded to play poorly in his limited time on the field, presumably because of his lack of practice time.

WR Phil Bates was brought back to the practice squad in his place.

Portis will likely be back. The Seahawks churn the practice squad quite liberally, choosing to use it to help the scout team show specific matchup issues. Portis’s main contribution at the Seahawks over the last 2 seasons have been to help the defense prepare for playing against highly mobile QBs. With the Seahawks taking on Jay cutler and Bears this week, this wasn’t needed.