Two players are out, key defenders return

The Seattle Seahawks are expected to play at least two key defenders on Sunday against the New York Giants.

Macdonald previews the Seahawks' Week 5 game against the Giants

After five key defensive players missed Monday's game against the Detroit Lions last week, the Seahawks on Friday ruled out just two players for Sunday's home game against the New York Giants. Two others were listed as questionable.

Defensive tackles Byron Murphy II (hamstring) and Cameron Young (knee) are out for the game against New York.

Outside linebacker Boye Mafe (knee) and safety Julian Love (hamstring) were both listed as questionable.

That means defensive ends Leonard Williams, inside linebacker Jerome Baker and outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu — all of whom missed the game against Detroit — are not on injury reports. But head coach Mike Macdonald told reporters after practice on Friday that Nwosu, who missed the first four games due to an MCL sprain in the preseason finale, still may not play.

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According to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic, Macdonald wouldn't say whether Mafe or Love will play against the Giants.

Murphy will be out for the second straight week after suffering a hamstring injury in Seattle's Week 3 win over Miami.

Young, a second-year pro, was placed on the physically unfit list (PUP) to return to practice on Wednesday. He has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury late in the 2023 season. The Seahawks have a 21-day window to activate Young or he will return to the PUP list for the remainder of the season.

Mafe missed last week's game against Detroit due to the same injury. Love started against the Lions, but left the competition early due to a hamstring injury and did not return. Mafe was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, while Love participated fully.

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