INJURY UPDATE: Seahawks Star WR Receives Positive News Ahead of Showdown With 49ers, Mike Macdonald Surprisingly Announces "Rotation" Plan for Multiple Key Players

Seattle, Washington – January 1, 2026

Just days before what is widely viewed as the Seahawks’ biggest test of the season, the Seattle Seahawks received a critical boost on the personnel front. In his latest press conference, head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that the injury status of star wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is trending in a very positive direction, giving Seattle renewed optimism ahead of its NFC West clash with the San Francisco 49ers.

Shaheed had been limited in practice over the past stretch due to a lingering physical issue, casting real doubt over his availability. For Seattle, that concern carried real weight. Shaheed is the offense’s primary speed threat, a player who stretches defenses vertically, forces coverage adjustments, and creates valuable space in the middle of the field. Against a disciplined, physical 49ers defense, his absence could have dramatically altered Seattle’s entire game plan.

That outlook has now shifted. According to Macdonald, Shaheed has not only made encouraging medical progress but has also shown growing confidence during recent practices. The development gives the Seahawks greater flexibility as they finalize their approach for a matchup that could hinge on a handful of explosive plays.

“What we’ve seen over the last few days has been genuinely encouraging,” head coach Mike Macdonald said. “He’s recovering the way we hoped he would, step by step, with his confidence and speed gradually coming back. More importantly, it allows us to open up the entire plan for this game — not restricted, not forced into anything, but prepared for every possible scenario.”

The surprises didn’t end there. Macdonald also revealed that Seattle plans to implement a rotation strategy involving several key starters, on both offense and defense. The move, he explained, is a proactive effort to manage workloads, maintain tempo, and withstand the physical demands the 49ers are certain to bring.

“This is the point where you can’t think in terms of just one quarter,” Macdonald added. “We need enough depth to play fast, play physical, and stay sharp all the way to the final snap.”

Seahawks–49ers is never just another game. It’s a measuring stick — a test of toughness, depth, and adaptability. With Shaheed trending toward availability and a bold rotation plan revealed at a pivotal moment, Seattle is sending a clear message: they aren’t waiting to see what happens. They’re preparing to meet the challenge head-on.

A final decision on Shaheed’s status will come closer to kickoff. But even now, the Seahawks have gained something invaluable heading into the showdown — the belief that their key pieces are returning at the right time, and that they’re ready for whatever the 49ers bring.