Byron

Murphy II

Murphy has been sidelined since Week 3 so his impending return is a big deal. He ranks in the top three among Seahawks defensive linemen in pass-rush win rate (15.4%) and quarterback pressure rate (13.5%). If Murphy can collapse the pocket from the inside, he will force Kirk Cousins to throw on the move more than he would otherwise like to.

Seattle’s most recent first-round pick has been out since Week 3 because of a hamstring injury. A return to practice is a step in the right direction, though it wouldn’t be surprising for him to need multiple weeks of practice before retaking the field. Head coach Mike Macdonald said cornerback Riq Woolen’s status will “come down to the wire.” Both defenders are likely headed for questionable tag at the end of the week.

The Seahawks also ruled out star CB Tariq Woolen (ankle). The defense’s health was briefly on the upswing last week but this group can’t seem to fend off the injury bug. Both players’ absences will be felt on Thursday in a must-win divisional game.

The Seahawks released a practice report estimation after holding a walk-through practice Tuesday, ahead of a Thursday showdown against the 49ers. First-round pick Byron Murphy is still out with a hamstring injury while LB Derick Hall (foot), and CB Riq Woolen (ankle) were also estimated non-participants and S Julian Love (hamstring) was listed as limited. After a rough loss to the Giants, the Seahawks defense is far from full strength to start Week 6.

The Seahawks are getting a few defensive playmakers back this week but will be without the rookie Murphy. Offensively, Kenneth Walker, DK Metcalf, and the rest of the skill players are active, helping balance out some of the defensive injuries.

Williams is one of five Seahawks front-seven defenders who have been unable to practice on both Thursday and Friday this week. The Seahawks play on Monday night. Rookie DT Byron Murphy II (hamstring) is expected to miss multiple weeks and LB Uchenna Nwosu (knee) has yet to take a regular season snap, although he was spotted wearing pads on Wednesday, before the official practice week began. LB Jerome Baker (hamstring) and LB Boye Mafe (knee) also remain sidelined.

Murphy, the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, picked up the hamstring injury in Week 3 against Miami. “It might not be too long, but Seattle will be cautious with its first-round pick,” Fowler said. His absence could be a plus for Jared Goff and the Lions offense in Week 4’s matchup with the Seahawks.

Murphy’s deal guarantees him just over $16 million over the next four years. He attended Friday’s rookie minicamp and will now be tasked with solidifying a Seahawks defense that ranked 23rd against the run per PFF and 31st in tackling. In his final season at Texas, Murphy totaled five sacks and 8.5 TFLs — both career-highs. It’s possible he has more to offer as a pass rusher once he gets some NFL coaching and improved talent around him.

Murphy (6'1/297) wasted little time making an impact as a true freshman, splitting his 298 snaps evenly between the A and B gaps and earning Honorable Mention All-Big 12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year notice. He rotated in behind NFL Draftees Moro Ojomo and Keondre Coburn recording an 83rd percentile PFF overall grade his sophomore year. Murphy finally assumed a starting role in 2023 and proceeded to run roughshod over the B12, racking up 45 pressures (3rd in FBS) and 21 stops while living in opposing backfields. When it’s time to pin his ears back on third downs the Texas three-tech generated a sensational 17.5% pressure rate, while his 91st percentile overall grade ranked second nationally among DTs behind only his linemate T’Vondre Sweat. The reigning Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year and Second Team All-American showed no fear at the Combine, performing every test and drill at the event. He wowed spectators with a 95th percentile 4.87s 40-yard dash, 33” vert (93rd%), and a 4.5s shuttle (87th%) for an exceptional 9.22 RAS. Murphy slashes his way through his chosen gap on a routine basis and is a constant agitator up the middle in both phases of the game. His biggest concern is his sub-optimal 6’004” height and 32.275” arms hinder his ability to be a three-down NFL contributor, but there’s no doubt he can be a valued rotational piece. His best-case scenario is to be used like Ed Oliver in Buffalo.

Murphy (6'1/290), who verbally committed to Baylor back in June, announced on Wednesday that he will instead be a Longhorn. The four-star interior lineman is Texas’ 19th verbal commitment in the Class of 2021, a group that sets up to be really good on the defensive side of the football. Texas has also secured commitments from players such as DE Jordon Thomas, EDGE Derrick Harris Jr. and ATH Ja’Tavion Sanders.