Seahawks bolster fullback spot with versatile veteran Will Tukuafu
Oct 29, 2014, 2:25 PM | Updated: Oct 30, 2014, 10:14 am
"He's a big man," Seahawks coach Peter Carroll said about Will Tufuaku, a 285-pound fullback who also played some defensive line with San Francisco. (AP)
(AP)
BY
Former Seattle Sports Lead Editor
RENTON – Will Tukuafu used to have to tackle Marshawn Lynch as a defensive lineman with San Francisco.
He’s now on the other side of things – both the ball and the Seahawks-49ers rivalry.
The Seahawks used one of their open roster spots to sign Tukuafu, who has the size and the versatility to play defensive line if necessary. His primary job with Seattle, though, will be at fullback, a position that took a hit when Derrick Coleman went down two weeks ago.
Coach Pete Carroll said it’s too soon to know whether Tukuafu will be ready to play on Sunday considering that Wednesday marks his first practice with the team. Whenever the time comes, Tukuafu said he’s looking forward to blocking for Lynch.
“I love his style of play,” Tukuafu said. “I actually was on the defensive side my second year, when I was playing defense against him. To be on the opposite end of it, to be able to block for a guy like that – I’ve been fortunate enough to block for a guy like Frank Gore down there and other great running backs – to continue that is a blessing for me.”
The Seahawks also promoted linebacker L.J. Fort from the practice squad. They had two open roster spots aver waiving wide receiver Phil Bates and tight end Brett Brackett on Tuesday. Offensive lineman Keavon Milton was signed to Seattle’s practice squad, according to the NFL’s transaction report.
The Seahawks have had to use tailback Robert Turbin at fullback since Coleman sustained a season-ending foot injury during pregame warmups in St. Louis. They now have a traditional fullback, even if that’s not the only position that Tukuafu has played.
He was a defensive end at Oregon and played on both sides of the ball during his four seasons with San Francisco. Carroll said it’s “absolutely” possible that he could play some defense with Seattle. Tukuafu said he even got a look at it during Wednesday’s walk-through.
“Wherever I can help, I’m ready to go,” he said. “I’m willing.”
Tukuafu, 30, is an absolute load at 6 feet 4 and 285 pounds, which he says is 10 pounds lighter than what he has played at in the past.
“He’s a big man,” Carroll said. “Two-hundred and eighty pounds playing fullback. It’s why, really, we wanted to do it. It was an opportunity to get a physical addition to what we do on offense and I’m hoping that he’ll fit in.”
