They’re back: Seahawks activate Love, Reed off IR

The Seattle Seahawks activated Pro Bowl safety Julian Love and veteran defensive tackle Jarran Reed off injured reserve on Saturday ahead of their Week 14 road matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

That comes one day after head coach Mike Macdonald told reporters that Love and Reed are both expected to return on Sunday. The Seahawks had two open spots on their 53-man roster, so they didn’t need to make any corresponding moves.

Stacy Rost: 2 numbers that matter for Seahawks vs Falcons

The Seahawks also elevated running back Velus Jones Jr. from the practice squad for the second straight week. The fourth-year pro adds backfield depth with third-string running back George Holani on IR.

Love missed nine of Seattle’s 12 games with a hamstring injury, including each of the past eight games. Reed missed the past four games after undergoing surgery to repair a wrist/thumb injury. Both players returned to practice this week, and neither carried a game status designation on Friday’s injury report.

With Love and Reed back, the Seahawks are set to have their entire starting defense available for the first time this season.

Their return boosts a Seattle defense that’s already among the NFL’s best. The Seahawks rank third in points allowed per game (18.1), second in yards allowed per play (4.6) and first in FTN Fantasy’s defensive DVOA metric.

More on the Seattle Seahawks

• Preview: Seahawks, Falcons headed in opposite directions
• Huard: This is the best defensive front in Seattle Seahawks history
• Stacy Rost: How many wins will it take for an NFC West crown? 
• Jeremiah: 2 areas Darnold can improve in to help Seattle Seahawks
• Where Seattle Seahawks’ defense ranks among league’s best

Related

Brady Russell adding new wrinkle to Seahawks’ offenseSeattle Sports Radio Info: How to find Sunday’s Seahawks, Mariners gamesSeahawks rule out RG Anthony Bradford vs CardinalsHow Cardinals’ defense has taken page from SeahawksThe opportunity Drew Lock has as Seahawks starting QBSeahawks rookie Jadarian Price aims to build off strong debut