Seahawks’ S Bradley McDougald talks rookie DBs, playing through patellar tendon injury
Jun 12, 2019, 11:58 PM | Updated: Jun 13, 2019, 12:04 am
Seahawks' Bradley McDougald had offseason surgery to repair a partially-torn patellar tendon. (AP)
(AP)
Seahawks fans haven’t seen much of rookie safeties Marquise Blair and Ugo Amadi yet, but veteran safety Bradley McDougald offered praise for the pair after Wednesday’s minicamp practice.
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“Nothing but athleticism,” McDougald said. “Especially Ugo, I really, really like him. He’s small, but he’s quick. He moves well and I’ve seen him play a nickel and free safety. He’s just getting better every day. He’s really taken advantages of these reps. They both got their hands on some balls. Marquise is a hell of a player too, you know. Everybody knows him for hitting and being aggressive, but his coverage is really good too. I feel like he’s raw. Like just a raw athlete. He just comes out there and he competes, he grinds, he’s fast and like everybody else, he’s got things to work on and a little growth into his playbook.”
Amadi, drafted in the fourth round out of Oregon, is seeing plenty of reps in camp, as are returning veterans Tedric Thompson and Shalom Luani. Meanwhile, second-round pick Blair and McDougald have been sidelined — the former with a hamstring injury, and the latter by knee surgery.
In his post-practice press conference, McDougald disclosed the reason behind his offseason surgery: a partial tear in his patellar tendon.
The injury, McDougald said, was sustained during the Seahawks’ Week 8 win over the Detroit Lions. The 28-year-old played through remainder of the season, however, tallying another 29 solo tackles (of his season-long total 66), three passes defended, one interception, and one forced fumble.
“I was playing through a lot of pain and a lot of grief,” McDougald said. “But I feel like I’m in a much better situation right now. I’m much more comfortable. My knee feels good, my body feels good. I’m just ready to compete.”
McDougald expects to be back on the field to start training camp in late July, which should coincide with the return of several other injured Seahawks, including safety Delano Hill and defensive tackle Nazair Jones.
The Seahawks wrap up their three-day minicamp Thursday.
