INJURY UPDATE :Two Key Offensive Weapons Officially Activated for Practice – Coach Mike Macdonald Calls It “The Perfect Boost at the Perfect Time”

Seattle, Washington – 12/11/2025

The Seattle Seahawks received a rare dose of good news at a crucial point in the season as center Jalen Sundell and tight end Eric Saubert were officially designated for return, allowing both players to resume practice this week. With the team under heavy pressure in the playoff race, the return of two key offensive pieces is viewed as a much-needed shot of momentum.

Sundell, who has missed the past four games with a knee injury, is a stabilizing force in Seattle’s interior protection. His ability to call protections, read blitzes, and anchor the offensive line has been sorely missed over the past month. Meanwhile, Eric Saubert — sidelined for six games with a calf injury — adds versatility to the tight end room, an area where Seattle has struggled due to rookie Elijah Arroyo’s knee issue.

Head coach Mike Macdonald did not hide his excitement about getting both players back on the field.

“This is the perfect boost at the perfect time,” Macdonald said. “Those two are smart, tough, experienced guys. We’re entering a stretch where there’s zero margin for error, and having them back in practice brings a completely different energy to the entire team.”

Under NFL rules, Sundell and Saubert can participate in practice for up to 21 days before the Seahawks must make a final decision — activate them to the 53-man roster or keep them on injured reserve for the remainder of the season. During this evaluation window, they do not count against the active roster, giving Seattle maximum flexibility.

Saubert’s return is especially important with Seattle lacking depth at tight end. If Arroyo is unable to play this week, Saubert could immediately step into a rotational role once activated. At the same time, Sundell’s presence helps reinforce an offensive line that has been inconsistent in recent weeks.

As the Seahawks fight for every win to keep their playoff hopes alive, the return of Sundell and Saubert signals that this team may be getting stronger at exactly the right moment.

And for Macdonald, this isn’t just good news — it is a “jolt of energy” that could shape the rest of Seattle’s season.