Seahawks Inactives: Brandon Shell returns, Mike Iupati out

The Seahawks will get one starter back on the offensive line but will be without another against the Los Angeles Rams and their elite defense in Week 16.

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Starting right tackle Brandon Shell, who has missed three of the Seahawks’ last four games with an ankle injury, is active and will start against the Rams. He was listed as questionable to play due to the injury.

On the other side of Seattle’s offensive line, starting left guard Mike Iupati is out with a neck stinger that caused him to leave last week’s win over the Washington Football Team. Iupati has battled stinger-type injuries throughout his career, and this is the fifth game the veteran guard will miss this year. Jordan Simmons, who has filled in for Iupati throughout the season, will get another start.

Rounding out the Seahawks’ inactives list are rookie running back DeeJay Dallas, safety Damarious Randall, defensive end Jonathan Bullard, tight end Colby Parkinson and, notably, defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison.

Today’s @Seahawks inactives: pic.twitter.com/pGgS81wdSC

— Seahawks PR (@seahawksPR) December 27, 2020

Harrison is inactive and has likely played his last game for the Seahawks, as it was reported that he has asked for his release due to Seattle sitting him out against the Rams. Harrison confirmed his request on Twitter, and Seattle is expected to release him next week. Defensive tackle Bryan Mone was added to the active roster this week from injured reserve, so he, Jarran Reed and Poona Ford are the Seahawks’ three lone defensive tackles.

Dallas was ruled out with an ankle injury he suffered last week that caused him to leave the game on an injury cart. The injury is not considered too serious. Unlike at this time last year, the Seahawks are pretty healthy at running back with Chris Carson, Carlos Hyde and Rashaad Penny all available.

Randall, a backup safety, was questionable with a foot injury. He was held out of practice all week.

Bullard and Parkinson are healthy scratches for the contest. Parkinson isn’t needed on the roster as veteran tight end Greg Olsen is returning after missing four games with a torn plantar fascia.

For the Rams, the most notable name on their inactives list is rookie running back Cam Akers, who has been Los Angeles’ lead back in recent weeks. He was ruled out this week with an ankle injury. See the Rams’ full list, posted by ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry, below.

Rams inactives:
RB Cam Akers
RB Raymond Calais
WR Trishton Jackson
TE Brycen Hopkins
OL Jamil Demby

— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) December 27, 2020

This Week 16 divisional contest is an important one for both teams, as the Seahawks can clinch the NFC West with a win, while the Rams must win both to clinch a playoff berth and to give them a shot at winning the division next week.

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