Josh Gordon, Quandre Diggs to make Seahawks debuts; Kittle sits for SF

The Seattle Seahawks’ two newest weapons on both sides of the ball will make their Seattle debut tonight against the San Francisco 49ers.

Seahawks’ potential difference-maker vs 49ers: Their big play ability

Wide receiver Josh Gordon, who was acquired last week off waivers, and safety Quandre Diggs, who Seattle acquired from the Detroit Lions along with a 2021 seventh-round pick in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2020 draft, will both suit up for the Seahawks for the first time. Diggs has been inactive for the last two Seahawks games while Gordon was inactive last Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Just as notable is who won’t be playing for San Francisco: Tight end George Kittle, who is battling knee and ankle injuries that he developed during the 49ers’ Thursday night game against the Arizona Cardinals last week. Kittle was listed as doubtful on San Francisco’s injury report on Saturday.

Kittle has been a force in Kyle Shanahan’s offense this year, leading the 49ers in catches (46) and receiving yards (541) while also snagging two touchdowns. He is also a force in the 49ers second-ranked running game as a blocker.

Gordon started the season with the New England Patriots but was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. New England cut Gordon loose because he had been placed on IR with a minor injury designation and had returned to health, and Seattle snagged him off waivers despite being 28th in waiver priority.

Diggs has not played in a game since Week 7 because of a hamstring injury that has lingered since before coming to Seattle.

Before tonight’s game, Seahawks general manager John Schneider said of Diggs and Gordon on the 710 ESPN Seattle pregame show that, “I think with both you’re gonna notice the speed.”

For Seattle, the roster is arguably as healthy as its been all year. Only safety Lano Hill (elbow) and offensive lineman Phil Haynes (ankle) had injury designations heading into tonight’s game. Both were listed as questionable, and neither will suit up.

Joining them on the inactives list are receivers Jaron Brown and John Ursua, cornerback Akeem King, running back C.J. Procise, and defensive end L.J. Collier.

Ursua has been a healthy scratch throughout the year, and Procise and Collier, this year’s first-round pick, have been scratches as well.

Brown may be the most surprising name on the list, but Seattle was sure to have at least one regular receiver inactive if Gordon made his debut.

Making Jaron Brown inactive means that Josh Gordon is going to be used a lot tonight. During the week I heard Gordon did a great job learning the playbook and was impressive during practice. #Seahawks https://t.co/g6XrBwdTI7

— Jake Heaps (@jtheaps9) November 12, 2019

For San Francisco, joining Kittle on the inactive list are quarterback C.J. Beathard, kicker Robbie Gould, cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, running back Jeff Nelson Jr., offensive lineman Justin Skule and defensive lineman Jullian Taylor.

Gould is battling a right quad injury and was listed as doubtful on Saturday. The team signed Chase McLaughlin to handle kicking duties during Gould’s absence.

Starting offensive tackles Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey will suit up for the 49ers. Staley has been out since mid-September with a fractured fibula, and McGlinchey had arthroscopic knee surgery after the team’s week 5 win over the Cleveland Browns.

More Seahawks coverage

• Clayton: Seahawks can finally prove how good they are vs 49ers
• Seahawks coach Pete Carroll shares the keys for his team vs the 8-0 49ers
• Gallant: Hawks-49ers rivalry of old won’t return, but this could start new chapter
• Moore: Why road warrior Seahawks will run to an upset vs 49ers

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