Is Devon Witherspoon playing Sunday? (Latest update for Seahawks vs. Rams in Week 1)

Seattle Seahawks rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon was assumed by many to be one of the starting outside cornerbacks in Week 1. This is because Witherspoon was the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Players picked that high don't normally start on the bench.

But even during the time Witherspoon was healthy enough to practice in mandatory minicamp and training camp, the Seahawks were using him more in the slot than at outside corner. Witherspoon also took a really long time to sign his rookie contract, which he finally did. Soon after doing so, though, Witherspoon hurt his hamstring.

Witherspoon hasn't practiced much for most of a month. He did return to practice last week and even practiced fully a couple of times. He was listed on Friday's injury report as being limited in practice but this still could have led some to believe that Witherspoon might be OK to play in Week 1.

Seattle Seahawks rookie CB Devon Witherspoon unlikely to play Week 1

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, however, Witherspoon isn't expected to play against the Los Angeles Rams. There's no real reason to rush Witherspoon back, I guess, especially as the Rams will be without receiver Cooper Kupp. Plus, trying to keep Witherspoon healthy for most of the season instead of just the beginning of the season is much more important.

Seattle should be set at corner without Witherspoon, however. Coby Bryant will probably play nickel, just as he did for most of 2022. Tre Brown and Riq Woolen are probably going to be the outside starting corners.

When is Devon Witherspoon going to play?

At this point, there is no timeline for Devon Witherspoon to play. He was close to playing in Week 1 for the Seahawks, it seems, so hopefully he will be back by Week 2. But hamstrings can be tricky so who knows when he actually plays a real game?

Seahawks next 5 opponents

Assuming Devon Witherspoon can come back by Week 2, here are the first five teams he could face in his career.

• Week 2: At the Detroit Lions, September 17, 10 am PT
• Week 3: Home versus the Carolina Panthers, September 24, 1:05 pm PT
• Week 4: At the New York Giants, Monday, October 2, 5:15 pm PT
• Week 6 (Seattle has a bye in Week 5): At the Cincinnati Bengals, October 15, 10 am PT

Other Seahawks news and analysis