Laviska

Shenault Jr.

Fant continues to miss time due to a groin injury he suffered in Week 8. Expect A.J. Barner to be Seattle’s starting tight end. Also out is Laviska Shenault (oblique), likely making Kenny McIntosh the second kick returner for the Seahawks in Week 12.

Fant went down with the groin injury in Week 8. He was back at practice on Thursday, but that still gives him a short week to return from a lengthy injury. He appears to be a true game-time call for Week 12. Even if active, fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a tight end streamer this week. Laviska Shenault is the only other Seahawk with a designation this week.

Shenault left Week 11 against the 49ers early and did not return. He now starts out the week listed as DNP on Wednesday. If Shenault cannot get a practice in by the end of the week, the Seahawks’ special teams depth will be tested. Dee Williams is the team’s other primary returner if Shenault does not play Week 12 against the Cardinals, though Williams (ankle) also did not practice Wednesday.

Shenault was listed as a non-participant in the Seahawks’ Wednesday practice with a back injury. He has four catches for 26 yards on the season, but has made an impact returning kicks. With 11 returns for 369 yards and a touchdown, Shenault’s production will need to be replaced by Dee Williams or Kenny McIntosh if he cannot go Week 7 against the Falcons.

Shenault’s Friday practice participation has yet to be released but he logged consecutive Full Participant designations to begin the weeks. He has strong odds of suiting up but is not relevant for fantasy purposes.

Though Smith-Njigba left practice, head coach Mike Macdonald indicated it is not a serious issue. Fellow receiver Laviska Shenault also left early after injuring his toe while offensive tackle George Fant did not practice due to load management. The Seahawks have a few minor injuries through minicamp, but nothing has yet to indicate a serious issue amidst the reports. Macdonald ended minicamp early for the team, so the next updates for Smith-Njigba and the others will come later.

Since entering the league in 2020, Shenault has been a multi-purpose receiver and special teamer. His best receiving season came in 2021, getting 100 targets for 63 receptions and 619 receiving yards with the Jaguars. He has also rushed for 252 yards in four seasons. Shenault returned kicks for the Panthers last season, totaling six returns for 167 yards. He joins a loaded Seahawks receiving corps, likely adding a rushing component to the wideout group. Shenault could also return kicks for the Seahawks under the new kickoff rules.

Shenault will be forced to miss the Panthers’ next four games, meaning he won’t be eligible to return until Week 17. It’s possible this is the last we hear of Shenault this season. With the Panthers well out of playoff contention, it may be in the team’s and Shenault’s best interest to rest up ahead of the offseason. Shenault has caught 10 passes for 60 scoreless yards this season while adding 12 carries for 55 yards on the ground. The former second-round pick will be an unrestricted free agent in 2024.

Shenault has been out since Week 6 with a high ankle sprain. He has been used as a gadget player barely on fantasy radars until now, and that figures to stay the same when he returns. Shenault is not yet nearing a return for Thursday Night Football against the Bears.

A high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 6 has kept Shenault on the sidelines for the last three weeks. With Monday’s injury report being of the estimated variety, we may not fully know Shenault’s practice status until Tuesday. The 25-year-old gadget player won’t be on the fantasy radar even if active, as he’s managed just seven receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown in four games.