The Seattle Seahawks enter Week 18 with no playoff aspirations, having been eliminated from contention. This scenario presents an opportunity for the team to evaluate its younger talent as they prepare for future seasons. Head coach Mike Macdonald is expected to use the game against the Los Angeles Rams to assess five key players who could play significant roles moving forward.

Quarterback Sam Howell stands out in this evaluation. His potential playing time could indicate the team’s confidence in Geno Smith's future, especially as Smith has financial incentives at stake. Howell has had limited opportunities this season, and his performance could influence the coaching staff's decisions regarding the quarterback position.

Another player to watch is cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett, who has been sidelined recently. Despite being a healthy scratch, Pritchett’s previous contributions on special teams and defense warrant a closer look, especially as the Seahawks solidify their cornerback lineup for the future.

Offensive tackle Michael Jerrell is also in a critical position. After starting earlier in the season, he has been a healthy scratch but could see action if the coaching staff opts to rest Abraham Lucas. Jerrell's performance in limited snaps could help determine his role in the upcoming seasons.

Right guard Christian Haynes, a third-round draft pick, has struggled to find playing time. With the offensive line in flux, Haynes needs another opportunity to prove his worth despite losing his starting position to Sataoa Laumea.

Finally, linebacker Drake Thomas has shown promise in limited appearances. With the inside linebacker position needing depth, Thomas could demonstrate his potential in the last game of the season, providing the coaching staff with valuable film to assess his future contributions.

The Seattle Seahawks made a surprising move by waiving starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson after their bye week, a decision that reflects their struggles on defense amid a 4-5 season. Coach Mike Macdonald emphasized the need for improvement and indicated that younger players like Tyrice Knight and Drake Thomas would have a chance to step up.

Despite leading the team in tackles, Dodson's release comes as part of a broader evaluation of the defense's performance, which has been underwhelming against the run. Macdonald clarified that the changes were not solely aimed at Dodson but were part of a necessary shift in the linebacker unit to enhance overall defensive play.

The Seattle Seahawks have waived linebacker Tyrel Dodson amid ongoing defensive struggles, currently ranking 26th in rush defense. Dodson had started all nine games this season, but his departure follows the recent trade for middle linebacker Ernest Jones IV.

With Dodson leading the team in tackles, the Seahawks now look to second-year player Drake Thomas or rookie Tyrice Knight to fill the void. This move comes as first-year coach Mike Macdonald seeks to revitalize a defense that has been underperforming.

The Seattle Seahawks surprised many by releasing linebacker Tyrel Dodson, who had been a starter for all nine games this season. Dodson's performance included 71 tackles and 2.0 sacks, but with the recent acquisition of Ernest Jones IV, he was moved to weak-side linebacker.

In response, the Seahawks promoted cornerback Josh Jobe from the practice squad and signed tight end N'Keal Harry to bolster their roster. The team is now looking at rookie Tyrice Knight and Drake Thomas as potential replacements for Dodson.

The Seattle Seahawks are making significant roster moves as Abraham Lucas and George Fant return to practice, while Stone Forsythe has been placed on injured reserve due to a hand injury. Forsythe struggled in pass protection, leading to his replacement by rookie Mike Jerrell, who performed well in his debut.

Seattle also bolstered their defense by claiming linebacker Josh Ross off waivers from Baltimore, adding depth after trading Jerome Baker for Ernest Jones. Coach Mike Macdonald hopes to have Lucas back soon, while Ross reunites with his former coach.