Seahawks training camp takeaways: an ‘explosive’ offense, and an appearance from Kam Chancellor
Aug 6, 2018, 5:02 PM | Updated: 5:18 pm
(AP)
After resting Sunday, the Seahawks returned to the field Monday for their ninth day of training camp. With a preseason game against the Colts coming up Thursday, Seattle ditched the pads for practice. But there were still plenty of takeaways – including a surprise appearance from safety Kam Chancellor.
Injury updates and roster moves
K.J. Wright (hamstring) remained limited after missing Seattle’s mock game Saturday, which gave rookie Shaquem Griffin more starting reps at weakside linebacker. Guard J.R. Sweezy and safety Maurice Alexander (hip flexor) also remained out.
A few players made a return to the field, though: Cornerback Shaquill Griffin got in work after missing Saturday’s practice with a hamstring, as did defensive tackle Tom Johnson (groin), center Justin Britt (back) and defensive end Marcus Smith.
The Seahawks also made two roster moves Monday morning. The team signed tight end Je’Ron Hamm (who rejoins the Seahawks after being waived last week) and defensive tackle Joey Ivie. In a corresponding move, the team waived defensive tackle Lord Adusei-Hyeamang and waived/injured fullback Khalid Hill.
Notable plays
While Doug Baldwin remains sidelined with a knee injury, wide receivers Tyler Lockett and Jaron Brown continue to be primary targets for quarterback Russell Wilson. Both players had a good day during 11-on-11’s.
Reporters got a chance to speak with Brown after practice. The former Cardinal described Seattle’s offense as “explosive.”
“We got a chance to be real explosive,” Brown said. “It’s going to be a real physical offense. We’re going to run the ball this year, and at the same time we are going to be an explosive backfield.”
On defense, free safety Lorenzo Jerome had a pick and linebacker Warren Long managed to bat a ball out of the hands of wide receiver Tanner McEvoy. One of the more impressive plays came from strong safety Delano Hill, who intercepted a tipped pass from rookie quarterback Alex McGough.
Special appearance
All-Pro strong safety Kam Chancellor made his first camp appearance Monday, afterwards walking up to a crowd of cheering fans to sign autographs.
Kam Chancellor getting quite the greeting at camp pic.twitter.com/MUS7T3aP9q
— Stacy Jo Rost (@StacyRost) August 6, 2018
The team placed Chancellor on the Reserve/PUP list July 26, officially ending his 2018 season. The move also, likely, put an official end to his career; Chancellor hinted at his retirement in a July 1 Twitter post, in which he wrote of the risks associated with his 2017 season-ending neck injury.
In the absence of Chancellor (and with Earl Thomas’ ongoing holdout) the Seahawks have turned to Bradley McDougald to head the safety group. McDougald played both free and strong safety last season in relief of Chancellor and Thomas, and Seattle has used him in both positions as they work to evaluate second-year strong safety Delano Hill and free safety Tedric Thompson. (As for McDougald, he told 710 ESPN Seattle’s Tom Wassell and Bob Stelton that he prefers to play at strong safety, though is comfortable lining up at either spot.)