The Seattle Seahawks made several roster changes ahead of their Week 4 matchup against the Detroit Lions, highlighted by the signing of Super Bowl champion cornerback Tyler Hall. Hall was part of the 2021 Los Angeles Rams, appearing in four games during their championship season.
In addition, the Seahawks signed defensive tackle Matt Gotel as Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II deal with injuries. Gotel is a familiar face, having spent last season on Seattle’s practice squad. He impressed during training camp before suffering an injury.
Hall, meanwhile, played in 11 games (starting three) for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023. To accommodate these additions, Seattle released former second-round pick Marquise Blair once again.
Blair’s situation has been difficult, as he was initially released before Week 3, only to rejoin the practice squad. Now, the veteran safety has been cut for the second time in less than a week.
Seattle also freed up a roster spot by placing running back George Holani on the practice squad injured reserve. Injuries continue to plague the Seahawks’ backfield, with star rusher Ken Walker currently sidelined due to an abdominal issue.
Injuries to key players Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II are especially concerning for the Seahawks.
Gotel’s signing raises questions about the severity of Williams’ and Murphy’s injuries. Both players left Seattle’s Week 3 win over the Miami Dolphins and did not return. Besides the Seahawks, Gotel has spent time with the Atlanta Falcons and the XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas.
“I don’t know the severity of it,” said Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald regarding Williams’ injury during a September 22, 2024 press conference. “It’s something in the midsection. I’m not sure if it’s ribs or something else, but I think we’ve gotten some imaging. We’ll know more in the next couple of days.”
