Riq

Woolen

Both defenders are members of the Seahawks’ 2022 draft class, meaning they are headed for free agency in the spring. Woolen broke out as a rookie, but his play has slowly declined ever since. He is one of the few Seattle defenders who hasn’t found success in Mike Macdonald’s offense. Mafe totaled nine sacks in 2023 and six in 2024. He doesn’t have a sack this year and is stuck in a part-time role. A new home may be best for both players, and the Seahawks could get some extra draft capital for them instead of watching the duo walk in free agency.

Woolen has been the subject of trade rumors for roughly one month, but the Seahawks are choosing to preserve their defensive back depth. The unit has been banged up quite a bit this season and Seattle has playoff aspirations. While Woolen’s play has been up and down, he remains a capable starter.

Witherspoon was a limited participant on Thursday. That is the good news. The bad news is that CB Riq Woolen (concussion) was downgraded from full participation on Thursday to a limited session on Friday. That suggests Woolen’s prior concussion symptoms may have recurred. Seahawks S Julian Love (hamstring) remains limited and LB Derick Hall (oblique) remains sidelined.

Woolen is also the subject of trade rumors after up-and-down early-season performances. Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon (knee) and S Julian Love (hamstring) remain limited, while LB Derick Hall (oblique) remains sidelined. The Seahawks are tasked with containing Nico Collins on Monday night. Getting Witherspoon and Love back would be a big boost in that regard.

Per Pauline, “even if no such deal [involving Woolen] is available, Seattle could make a move for the ball carrier if Miami continues to lose games and chooses to sell off pieces.” The Seahawks are apparently very interested in Achane’s “speed and home run-hitting ability not presently found at running back for the Seahawks.” Speed and home-run hitting ability sound an awful lot like RB Kenneth Walker III’s skillset. Walker is scheduled to enter free agency at the end of the year. The 4-2 Seahawks are currently fifth in the NFC, and GM John Schneider spent the offseason harping on the importance of locker room harmony. Pauline does not address whether a follow-up trade involving one of the incumbent running backs could occur, and the Dolphins must first be willing to part ways with a talented, young running back under contract through 2026, for a second trade to even be considered. No reporter is perfect, but Pauline has reported accurately on Seahawks happenings during the Schneider era. Whether the Seahawks successfully acquire Achane remains to be seen, but it sounds like they could be in play for a speedy running back before the November 4th trade deadline, regardless. Achane’s fantasy-scoring ceiling would likely take a hit if he is thrust into a split backfield in Seattle.

Lawrence and LB Ernest Jones (shoulder) are good to go. The Seahawks’ defense will be without LB Derick Hall (oblique). S Julian Love (hamstring), CB Devon Witherspoon (knee) and CB Riq Woolen (concussion) are listed as doubtful to play in Week 6 against the Jaguars. All three defensive backs were limited on Friday. Jaguars WRs Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter have high ceilings in this one.

Lawrence’s potential return would significantly improve the Seahawks’ odds of slowing the Jaguars’ capable rushing attack. Unfortunately, S Julian Love (hamstring) and CB Devon Witherspoon (knee) remain sidelined and CB Riq Woolen (concussion) remains limited, indicating he failed to progress to the next phase of the NFL’s concussion protocol today. Seahawks OLB Derick Hall (oblique) is not expected to play.

Woolen was removed from the game in the third quarter with the Bucs facing a third-and-15. Baker Mayfield immediately targeted his replacement, Nehemiah Pritchett, and connected with Emeka Egbuka for a 20-yard touchdown. With Demarcus Lawrence, Julian Love, and Devon Witherspoon all out for this game, this Seahawks defense is incredibly banged up and Mayfield is taking advantage.

Woolen broke out as a rookie with 16 pass breakups and six interceptions. He defended double-digit passes in each of the next two years, though Pro Football Focus has charted him with declining coverage grades over the past two seasons. Woolen is on the final year of his current deal and is a candidate to walk in free agency. The Seahawks will likely field offers for the young corner if they can get something for him via trade during the season.

Woolen has missed two straight weeks with an ankle injury, though his limited practice to start the week bodes well for his Week 8 return. Fellow cornerbacks Tre Brown (ankle) and Nehemiah Pritchett (ankle) did not practice, keeping the secondary thin to begin the week.