SEATTLE – The Seattle Seahawks capped their second week of training camp with a trip to Lumen Field, where they held their annual “Football Fest” practice on Saturday evening.
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It was a festive scene, with music blaring and much of the lower bowl filled with blue-and-green-clad fans. And after spending all week at their team headquarters in Renton, it served as a nice change of pace to close a stretch of six practices in six days.
“It was a great atmosphere,” Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said. “Music was bumping. Guys were into it. We’ve gone the whole week now, so they’re pretty sore. But great spirits and great practice.”
Here are some notes and observations from the event:
Darnold, JSN building rapport
Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba teamed for one of the evening’s biggest plays, connecting on a deep play-action out route for a gain of about 35 yards. Darnold also hit Smith-Njigba on a couple of quick out-breaking routes.
Afterward, Darnold heaped praise on his new WR1 and used an interesting analogy to describe Smith-Njigba’s silky-smooth athleticism.
“He’s one of a kind, just the way that he can get in and out of routes – his shiftiness,” Darnold said. “The way he moves is kind of like a hockey player on ice. It feels like sometimes he’s just skating out there, the way that he can get in and out of cuts.”
Horton continues to shine
Rookie wide receiver Tory Horton continued his strong camp by making an impressive toe-drag catch along the sideline on a pass from Darnold. The fifth-round pick from Colorado State got ample time with the first-string offense in three-receiver sets, which appears to indicate that he’s surging up the depth chart.
“A wise man Steve Smith Sr. once said (that) rookies need to make a play a day to kind of make a name for themselves,” Macdonald said. “And he’s doing that. He’s making multiple plays every day.”
Walker sits out
Running back Kenneth Walker III sat out with a sore foot, but Macdonald said the team is just being cautious.
“He’s just a little sore with his foot right now, but he’s fine,” Macdonald said. “We’re just taking care of him right now throughout camp.”
With Walker out, Zach Charbonnet spent the evening as the lead back. He broke a long touchdown run, bouncing outside and racing down the right sideline to score from about 25 or 30 yards out.
Haynes limited as O-line shuffle continues
Christian Haynes, who is battling for the right guard spot and also is getting some time at center, sat out team drills with a pectoral injury.
“He’s just dealing with a little bit of a pec right now, but he should be OK,” Macdonald said.
With Haynes out, Anthony Bradford took most of the first-string reps at right guard, while Jalen Sundell also rotated in for a series or two. Olu Oluwatimi took the bulk of the first-string center reps, with Sundell rotating in there as well.
Veteran swingman Josh Jones filled in as the first-string left tackle while Charles Cross recovers from finger surgery. The other two first-string O-line spots remained constant, with rookie first-round pick Grey Zabel at left guard and Abraham Lucas at right tackle.
Backup safety candidate injured
AJ Finley, who was battling for one of the backup safety spots, suffered a knee injury while contesting a ball in the back of the end zone that wide receiver Dareke Young hauled in for a touchdown. Macdonald indicated the injury could be serious.
“We’re gonna get a test, but initial feedback is not positive,” Macdonald said. “I won’t make a declaration yet, but thoughts and prayers are with AJ.”
Finley, a third-year pro, was claimed off waivers by the Seahawks last November. He appeared in each of their final four games, logging 62 snaps on special teams and six snaps on defense.
Finley’s injury came exactly one week after running back Kenny McIntosh suffered a torn ACL during practice.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Macdonald said. “These guys, they work so hard, and just one play. It’s just such a shame.”
Extra points
• Macdonald said the Seahawks won’t play their starters in Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders.
• Long snapper Chris Stoll is dealing with a back issue after his back “locked up” during a recent practice, Macdonald said. Tight end/fullback Brady Russell worked as the long snapper on Saturday. Macdonald isn’t sure whether Stoll will be available for Thursday’s game.
More on the Seattle Seahawks
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• Macdonald: Seahawks’ defense enters Year 2 on much ‘better foundation’
• Reports: Seattle Seahawks LT Charles Cross had finger surgery
• Macdonald: Seahawks QBs have made ‘significant jump’ since spring
