Johnathan

Hankins

Haynes, a third-round pick from 2024, was unable to play in the last two preseason games due to an elbow injury. The 25-year-old projects as a backup at this stage, and won’t be able to return until October at the earliest. The Seahawks also placed WR/KR Stephen Sims on IR while placing DE Rylie Mills and NT Jonathan Hankins on NFI (non-football injury list).

Hankins is starting camp on the non-football injury list due to a back issue. The 33-year-old re-signed with the Seahawks this offseason is expected to be a part of the team’s defensive line rotation. Head coach Mike Macdonald said Hankins will be fine and the team is “taking our time” with his injury.

Hankins hasn’t had a PFF run defense grade above 52.4 since 2020 and is primarily called on to play early downs. He turned 33 in March. He’ll be a complimentary piece behind Jarran Reed and Byron Murphy II if he makes the roster out of training camp.

Originally a second-round pick of the Giants, the 32-year-old Hankins has totaled 17.5 sacks and 39 tackles for loss in 12 career seasons. He most recently spent 2023 with the Cowboys, starting 14 games and tallying three sacks. Hankins was a solid contributor in the middle of the defensive line, and while the Cowboys did want him back, the Seahawks made the more compelling offer. Hankins now adds size to a defensive line with Jarran Reed and Dre’Mont Jones in the middle.

Smith missed Week 16 with a thigh injury and is now listed with a back injury. The Cowboys play a Saturday game, so Smith has a few days to practice and return as a key piece for the offensive line. DT Johnathan Hankins (knee/ankle) also did not practice, potentially leaving the Cowboys without a pair of key contributors in the trenches against the Lions.

In addition to Hankins, S Malik Hooker (ankle) was also a non-participant on Wednesday. It is still early in the week, but if both Hooker and Hankins can’t go, the Cowboys defense will be weaker against a high-powered Dolphins offense in Week 16.

Hankins was helped off the field by the training staff before being carted to the locker room with his shoe off for further examination. He is questionable to return.

Hankins was traded to the Cowboys near last year’s trade deadline, as the team gave up a sixth-round pick for the veteran lineman. A pectoral strain limited him to just five games with the Cowboys last season, as he finished 2022 with 10 tackles and one TFL with his new squad. He’ll serve as added depth along the defensive line next season.

He’ll likely be sidelined a bit, as pec strains can be especially challenging for linemen. Hankins’ exit should get Quinton Bohanna and Carlos Watkins more involved inside for Dallas.

Hankins was initially called questionable to return, but was downgraded to out after halftime. He’s featured in Dallas’ run defense since being acquired near the trade deadline. Dallas will rely on their lower depth linemen.