Seattle Seahawks shake up roster as star safety’s injury clouds defensive outlook

The Seattle Seahawks have made a calculated late tweak to their game-day roster as they prepare for Super Bowl LX, opting to reinforce depth amid mounting injury concerns.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Seattle elevated Cam Akers and Velus Jones Jr. from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s championship clash.

While the move may appear routine on the surface, it reflects a broader strategy shaped by an eventful and injury-heavy week for the Seahawks.

With kickoff looming, Seattle’s focus has been on stabilizing the roster, protecting key contributors, and ensuring enough flexibility to navigate any late setbacks.

Injury concerns influence Seattle’s planning

Seattle Seahawks’ roster maneuvering comes against the backdrop of uncertainty surrounding rookie safety Nick Emmanwori, whose midweek injury scare briefly cast a shadow over the team’s defensive outlook.

Though the Seahawks avoided a worst-case scenario, the situation underscored how thin margins can be at this stage of the season.

Compounding matters is the loss of running back Zach Charbonnet, who suffered a torn ACL and was ruled out for the remainder of the postseason.

His absence has forced Seattle to rethink workload distribution and depth management heading into a one-game finale.

Akers and Jones add flexibility and insurance

The elevation of Akers and Jones gives the Seahawks valuable options behind Kenneth Walker III, particularly as they balance offensive production with player durability.

Both additions offer versatility, with the ability to contribute on special teams while also serving as emergency backfield options if Seattle opts to limit Walker’s touches.

Schefter’s report indicates that these practice-squad elevations are part of a deliberate approach as Seattle Seahawks prepares for its Super Bowl matchup at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

With the stakes at their highest, the Seahawks are prioritizing readiness over risk, ensuring they enter the title game with as many functional contingencies as possible.

As Seattle navigates the final hours before kickoff, these roster decisions highlight a team intent on controlling what it can, even as injuries threaten to reshape the margins of a championship contest.