Seattle Seahawks 2024 practice squad tracker: Live updates and analysis

The Seattle Seahawks have finalized their active 53-man roster for 2024 and many of the players who did not make the active roster will probably be signed to the practice squad. In previous seasons when former head coach Pete Carroll was making the final roster decisions, he also liked to bring back as many of the released players as he could.

In reality, NFL rosters are not really 53 players. The team is closer to 70 (53 plus 16 equals 69, of course) because 16 players can be signed to the practice squad and they can be a called up a few times during the season before having to be fully added to the roster.

In other words, the practice squad works a lot like a minor league baseball team in that the players aren't quite prime-time ready but might be forced to be. Many of the practice squad signings were preseason stars so maybe they can turn into regular season stars if needed.

Seattle Seahawks 2024 practice squad tracker

NFL teams can start officially signing players at 12:01 pm PT on Wednesday, August 28. Before that, a team would have to claim a player on waivers (that part ends at, you guessed it, 12 pm PT). A player claimed on waivers would get paid the same as he was set to be by his original team. In other words, if a player was going to make $3 million in 2024 before being waived, he make that much if claimed.

This is why not many players get claimed. Teams are mostly looking for practice squad players to sign and they make less than players on the active roster.

Players on the practice squad can be gameday elevations up to three times during the season. After that, they would need to either be released or signed to the active roster. If they are released, there is a chance they could clear waivers and then be re-signed to the practice squad. If that happens, the clock re-starts on the gameday elevations.

No more than two practice squad players can be elevated for any single game. Of course, if that would need to occur, that would mean the team had suffered a lot of injuries.

Seahawks reportedly bringing back Tyreke Smith

Smith did not do much with the Arizona Cardinals after he left the Seahawks, but John Schneider clearly likes the edge rusher enough to bring him back. Per the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Smith is being signed to Seattle's practice squad.

Seahawks sign wide receiver Easop Winston, running back George Holani, and defensive end DeVere Levelston to the practice squad

Per ESPN's Brady Henderson, the three players above are being signed to the practice squad.

Winston would be a good returner should something happen to Laviska Shenault or Dee Williams. Holani is surprisingly still available to sign to the practice squad. That shows you the value - or lack thereof - of running backs in the NFL. Levelston is a player Seattle needs to make into a productive one.

Seahawks sign Marquise Blair to the practice squad

Blair did not play anywhere in 2023. He is athletic, though undisciplined. He might find his way to playing meaningful snaps this year.

Seahawks sign inside linebacker Patrick O'Connell

O'Connell has athleticism but he lacks great size. He would be a fine backup if called upon.

Seahawks sign cornerback Artie Burns

Burns is seemingly going to be with the team for the next 100 years. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Burns was brought back to the practice squad. He will almost definitely play in real games this season and be solid in coverage.

Seahawks bring back safety Ty Okada

Again, per ESPN's Henderson, Seattle is signing Okada to the practice squad. He had a fantastic preseason. If needed, he would probably be a solid presence as a backup.

Seahawks sign offensive lineman Raiqwon O'Neal

Henderson is everywhere. He reported Seattle will sign O'Neal to the practice squad, too. The offensive lineman was a healthy scratch in many games in 2023. Maybe he will eventually see some real playing time.

Seahawks sign defensive tackle Kyon Barrs

According to Aaron Wilson, Seattle will keep Barrs around. He is a fairly unsung player. He could help against the run if needed.

Seahawks sign offensive tackle Garret Greenfield

Per The Draft Network, Seattle is holding on to Greenfield. He is more of a project. That is exactly what the practice squad is made for.

Seahawks bring back tight end Tyler Mabry (of course)

In what is becoming an annual event, Seattle waived Mabry and then brought him back to the practice squad. He is beloved by his teammates so he is good to have around the team. He also scored a touchdown in 2022.

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