Seahawks' PUP list ahead of training camp is an almost laughably sad situation

This could be bad. Or, well...not. But let's just say the players the Seattle Seahawks placed on the physically unable to perform list ahead of veterans reporting to training camp next week is a bad situation.

The problem would not be so bad if there had not been so many changes in Seattle this offseason. Even veteran Seahawks need time to practice and learn and develop the new offensive and defensive systems. For instance, if quarterback Geno Smith was not able to practice - thankfully, he is - then that might help backup Sam Howell try to earn a QB1 spot.

New head coach Mike Macdonald was brought in to help fix the defense. He has proven he can remold a unit into a very good one. But with any new system, players need time in the system to learn the nuances. Plus, an additional issue for Seattle is why they would sign players this offseason to replace legends such as Bobby Wagner if the team was aware the new player had injury concerns.

Seattle Seahawks place seven players on physically unable to perform list

A week before veterans report to 2024 training camp, the Seahawks put seven players on the PUP list. These include right tackle Abraham Lucas, cornerback Lance Boykin, safety Jerrick Reed II, and linebacker Drake Thomas. Fine. Except for Lucas, none of those guys are hoped to be starters in 2024.

The other two players are inside linebackers Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker. These guys are expected to replace Wagner and Jordyn Brooks and be by far the more experienced inside linebackers and will hold down the only two starting spots at the position. Missing any practice time makes when they return (for however long the return before the season begins) a very tight window.

Just like an offensive line, a defense needs time to build communication and cohesion under a new scheme. Dodson is expected to be the green dot in Macdonald's defense, but players, at least at first, are not going to get used to hearing Dodson call out the alignments because he won't be practicing. Again, why general manager John Schneider took two chances on injured players in the middle of the defense seems odd. He could have signed Dodson or Baker and brought back Brooks or Wagner.

So here is the good part. Players can come off the PUP list at any point in training camp. Maybe Dodson is only on the list for a week. That still hurts the unit when there is such a limited time to learn a new system and learn it so well that one just reacts instead of thinking. Let's hope Baker and Dodson return soon because otherwise this is a bad look for Schneider.

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