Tory Horton (hamstring) practices in full

Horton’s return boosts QB Drew Lock’s passing outlook, though Horton is not worth starting in 12-team FLEX spots, operating in the Seahawks WR4 role.

Horton got in some limited practices earlier this week as he deals with a hamstring injury. He will miss opening week against the Patriots, boosting Rashid Shaheed for some deep targets in Week 1. Also inactive for the Seahawks are S Nick Emmanwori, G Beau Stephens, QB Jalen Milroe, TE Nick Kallerup, S Ty Okada, and DE Mike Morris. Milroe will serve as the emergency third quarterback.

Even if Horton does play, he’s unlikely to be more than the fourth receiver behind Rashid Shaheed, Cooper Kupp and all-world Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The second-year receiver looked great early in 2025 but has dealt with a ton of injuries ever since, leading the Seahawks to their midseason trade for Shaheed last year.

It was the second straight day with the same level of participation for the second-year receiver, who could be headed for a game-day injury designation for the team’s season opener. We were kept in the dark regarding Horton’s ailment after he missed the final three weeks of camp, with a hamstring injury now labeled as the cause. Although Jake Bobo’s season-ending ACL tear all but guaranteed Horton a spot on game-day rosters, he remains unlikely to contribute meaningful counting stats playing behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed, and Cooper Kupp. Second-year undrafted free agent Montorie Foster Jr would be in line to serve as the team’s fourth receiver on Wednesday should Horton be unable to go.

Now we know what has kept Horton sidelined since mid-August. Although the speedy wide receiver has resumed practicing, which is a good sign, he is not guaranteed to suit up. If active, he is likely only relevant in single-game DFS contests.

Frankly, it is tough to trust this statement. The Seahawks kept things quiet almost all offseason about Horton’s season-ending shin injury. They do not have to disclose anything until Week 1 practices begin. Were he to miss time in the regular season, WR Rashid Shaheed might be able to earn an extra target or two, operating as the team’s uncontested field stretcher.

When asked what issue is currently ailing Horton, Macdonald reportedly smiled and said, “sorry, I just don’t want to tell you.” It is unclear whether Horton experienced a setback in his return from a 2025 shin injury or if this is a new issue. The team does not have to release any information until Week 1 injury reports come out. At this point, Horton does not need to be drafted in 12-team leagues.

The Seahawks shut Horton down after trading for WR Rashid Shaheed last year, citing a new shin injury. The trade came as a surprise. He and Shaheed possess similar skill sets, and Horton had already set two franchise records, so replacing him in the lineup due to poor play did not add up. Apparently, Horton played through discomfort in his shin for five games until the pain led to imaging, revealing a crack in his shin. Horton attempted to avoid surgery, but it was ultimately deemed necessary in February 2026, delaying his return. Bell adds that the coaching staff is “excited and curious to unleash” Horton and Shaheed in the same formations, “challenging the deep coverage of defenses.” Stressing the defense vertically should open up the short-to-intermediate areas of the field as well. Shaheed will likely be the more reliable boom-bust FLEX and could even ascend to WR3 status, but it is nice to know that the coaching staff still views Horton positively after the surprising in-season trade last year.

Per The Tacoma News Tribune’s Gregg Bell, Horton is already “running smoothly” in his return from a November 2025 shin injury. That said, the Seahawks are still limiting his reps. Through the first two practices, he worked with QB Sam Darnold in group drills and fielded punts from P Michael Dickson before observing 11-on-11 drills. On Sunday, he spent time running routes with a trainer while his teammates ran 7-on-7s. Hopefully, the rest of his ramp-up period goes smoothly.

Back in May, Macdonald thought Horton would have a chance to return in time for the Seahawks’ three-day mandatory minicamp, which is currently underway. That will not happen. Macdonald said, “it’s still all positive,” when asked about Horton’s rehab. He just needs a little more time. Horton injured his shin in practice, early in November last year. The team waited until later in the month to move him to injured reserve, where he spent the remainder of the season. Horton’s skill set overlaps with WR Rashid Shaheed, who secured a big payday this offseason. It could be tough for Horton to earn reliable playing time this year.