The Seattle Seahawks have some pretty good backups. Couple that with the fact that the New Orleans Saints are terrible, and something like Seattle winning 44-13 in Week 3 happens. But Week 4 will be much tougher when Seattle plays the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday Night Football.
While Derion Kendrick has been fantastic filling in for Devon Witherspoon (knee), and Kendrick deserves to stick on the roster and be a valuable depth piece, Witherspoon is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He not only covers well, but he is good against the run and when he blitzes.
The good news is that Witherspoon will play against the Cardinals. So will safety Julian Love (hamstring). The team did not greatly miss either player against the Saints, but New Orleans is one of the worst teams in the league. Moving forward, Witherspoon and Love will be needed.
Devon Witherspoon expected to return for the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4
The week was a bit strange because Seattle did not have any contact in practice due to the brevity of time between Sunday's Week 3 and Thursday's Week 4. The injury designations given to players were more of a guess and something the team has to officially do.
That means that running back Zach Charbonnet might not play even though he was listed as a full participant in Wednesday's practice. He is listed as questionable. He was solid in Week 1, but unproductive (likely through no fault of his own) in Week 2. He missed Week 3 with a toe injury.
Rookie safety Nick Emmanwori is doubtful even though he was listed as a full participant in Wednesday's practice. It seems like he will be held out again, given a bit more time to recover from a Week 1 high ankle sprain, and be ready to go in Week 5.
Edge rusher Boye Mafe was also a full participant, but is listed as questionable with a toe issue. His sack numbers are not high through three games, but his pass-rush win rate is. He is also solid against the run. His absence, if he misses Week 4, would be felt.
Right guard Anthony Bradford, who has played far worse than the rest of the offensive line and has regressed each week, is questionable with a back problem. He will probably play, however. If he doesn't play, rookie Bryce Cabeldue could take his place.
Rookie fullback Robbie Ouzts (ankle) was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday and will miss four games. Backup swing tackle Josh Jones (ankle) is the only Seattle Seahawks player officially listed as out. But at least Devon Witherspoon will return, so let the fun commence.