Devon Witherspoon Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Seahawks vs Titans game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Oct 29, 2025
Practicing in full out of bye
Witherspoon (knee) practiced in full Wednesday, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon has been out for each of Seattle's last three games with the knee injury. His full participation to begin the week should set him up for a return and a key role in the secondary in Week 9 against the Commanders.
Oct 21, 2025
Expected back after Week 8 bye
Head coach Mike Macdonald said Monday that he expects Witherspoon (knee) to be available for the Seahawks' Week 9 tilt against the Cardinals on Nov. 2, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon sustained a knee injury in Week 1, which has prevented him from playing in five of the Seahawks' last six games. He wasn't able to play in Seattle's 27-19 win over Houston on Monday despite logging back-to-back full practices to end Week 7 prep, but the Week 8 bye should put Witherspoon on track to play in Week 9. His return would result in Shaquill Griffin reverting to a rotational role in the secondary.
Oct 20, 2025
Won't play Week 7
Witherspoon (knee) is inactive for Monday's game against the Texans.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon appeared to be trending toward being active for Monday's contest after finishing the week with back-to-back full practices, but the third-year corner is not quite ready to return from a lingering knee injury. The Seahawks are on a bye for Week 8, so he'll have more time to heal and recover ahead of Seattle's Week 9 clash against Washington on Sunday, Nov. 2. Shaquill Griffin is in line to start at outside corner for a second straight game in Witherspoon's absence.
Oct 18, 2025
Trending toward playing vs. Houston
Witherspoon (knee) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Texans, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon has been working through a lingering knee injury that has sidelined him for four of the Seahawks' last five games. He ended the week with back-to-back full practices, which indicates that he is leaning more toward the probable side of playing Monday. Witherspoon's return would mean less snaps to go around at cornerback for Nehemiah Pritchett and Derion Kendrick.
Oct 17, 2025
Looking good for Monday
Witherspoon (knee) was a full participant at practice Friday, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon has missed four of Seattle's last five contests with a nagging knee issue, but he's trending towards playing in Week 7. Barring any setbacks, he figures to resume his starting role at cornerback versus the Texans.
Oct 16, 2025
Practices Thursday
Witherspoon (knee) was a limited participant in practice Thursday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The cornerback missed four of the last five games with the knee issue. Witherspoon did put in a limited session last Friday as well, though that might have been too close to Sunday's game to get ready in time to play. The third-year pro's status will be worth monitoring as the practice week continues ahead of Monday's matchup with the Texans.
Oct 12, 2025
Not playing Sunday
Witherspoon (knee) is inactive for Sunday's matchup with the Jaguars.
ANALYSIS
The cornerback will now miss his fourth game of 2025 due to the knee injury. Shaquill Griffin, Derion Kendrick and Nehemiah Pritchett are Seattle's backup corners.
Oct 10, 2025
Still hampered by knee injury
Witherspoon (knee)is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon has already lost three games to the knee injury and looks to be in line for a fourth absence. He did manage a limited practice Friday, so it appears that his recovery has progressed, even if he can't suit up.
Oct 9, 2025
Remains sidelined at practice
Witherspoon (knee) was a non-participant at practice Thursday, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon has been nursing a knee injury throughout the season, and he was forced to miss the team's loss to the Buccaneers in Week 5. The cornerback has opened this week with back-to-back absences at practice, and he'll look to return to the field for Friday's final practice of the week.
Oct 8, 2025
Still not practicing
Witherspoon (knee) did not practice Wednesday, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon has dealt with a knee injury throughout the first third of the season, as he's been active for only two games. After sitting out Week 5, he is expected to practice at some point ahead of Sunday's game against the Jaguars. Witherspoon will likely need to log at least some activity in multiple sessions to suit up Sunday, so Thursday will be pivotal.
Oct 6, 2025
Aiming to return to practice
Head coach Mike Macdonald relayed Monday that Witherspoon (knee) will attempt to return to practice this week ahead of Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon was able to play through a knee injury during the Seahawks' Week 4 win against the Cardinals. However, he was unable to practice in the week leading up to Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, which the third-year corner ultimately observed from the sidelines. Witherspoon would have to return to practice in at least a limited capacity this week in order to have a realistic chance of playing in Jacksonville. If Witherspoon is not able to play and Riq Woolen cannot clear the league's concussion protocol before the Seahawks' Week 6 road clash, then Derion Kendrick and Nehemiah Pritchett would be the top candidates to start at outside cornerback opposite Josh Jobe.
Oct 3, 2025
Ruled out against Tampa Bay
Witherspoon (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bucs, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon logged a trio of DNPs this week after playing through the knee issue last Thursday night against the Cardinals. It's fair to wonder if the cornerback suffered a setback versus Arizona. Witherspoon has played the bulk of his defensive snaps at slot cornerback. Derion Kendrick filled in at that spot in Week 3 when Witherspoon was out.
Oct 2, 2025
Misses another practice
Witherspoon (knee) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon is recovering from a knee injury, which has prevented him from participating in each of the first two practices of the week, so Friday's injury report will provide clarity on his chances of playing against the Buccaneers on Sunday. Derion Kendrick and Nehemiah Pritchett would be the top candidates to start at outside corner opposite Josh Jobe if Witherspoon is unable to play Sunday.
Oct 1, 2025
DNP on Wednesday
Witherspoon (knee) did not practice Wednesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon dealt with the knee issue last week but was active against Arizona last Thursday night and played 100 percent of the defensive snaps.
Sep 25, 2025
Leads team in tackles in return
Witherspoon recorded nine total tackles (five solo), including 0.5 sacks, while also adding a pass defensed in Thursday's 23-20 win over Arizona.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon made his return to action in Week 4 after missing two contests with an MCL injury, leading the team in takedowns versus the Cardinals. Additionally, he combined with Josh Jobe to sack Kyler Murray in the third quarter. Witherspoon has now produced 17 total tackles (12 solo), including 0.5 sacks, while also registering a pass defensed over two games this year.
Sep 24, 2025
Good to go against Arizona
Witherspoon (knee) does not carry an injury designation into Thursday's game against the Cardinals, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon missed Seattle's last two games due to an MCL injury. The 2023 first-rounder logged a full practice Wednesday and has been cleared to play in Thursday's NFC West clash, when he'll play a prominent role in the Seahawks' secondary alongside Josh Jobe, Riq Woolen, Coby Bryant and Julian Love (hamstring).
Sep 23, 2025
Labeled as limited again
Witherspoon (knee) was tabbed as a limited participant in Tuesday's practice walkthrough, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon has been deemed limited at both of Seattle's practice walkthroughs to begin the short week. The third-year cornerback has missed each of the Seahawks' past two games after suffering an MCL contusion in a Week 1 loss to San Francisco. Derion Kendrick has stepped into a starting role and has notched two interceptions while Witherspoon has been out.
Sep 22, 2025
Limited on practice report
Witherspoon (knee) was listed as a limited practice participant on Monday's estimated practice report, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon has missed the Seahawks' last two games due to an MCL injury that he suffered against the 49ers in Week 1. He'll have two more practices this week to increase his participation and give himself a chance to return against the Cardinals on Thursday.
Sep 21, 2025
Won't return for Week 3
Witherspoon (knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Saints.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon will miss a second straight game due to a knee injury that he suffered against the 49ers in Week 1. He did log a limited practice Friday, which is a positive sign that he could return for Week 4 against the Cardinals on Thursday. Derion Kendrick will continue to see an increased workload on defense in Witherspoon's absence.
Sep 19, 2025
Doubtful for Week 3
Witherspoon (knee) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Saints, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon is still working his way back from an MCL injury suffered in Week 1. He'll miss his second straight contest. Derion Kendrick will again see elevated snaps against New Orleans.
Sep 17, 2025
Not practicing Wednesday
Witherspoon (knee) did not participate at practice Wednesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Per Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic, coach Mike Macdonald expressed some optimism Monday that Witherspoon may be able to return from an MCL contusion in Week 3, but he still wasn't in football shape as of Wednesday. Unless he can return to practice Thursday or Friday, it's unlikely he'll be able to suit up Sunday versus the Saints.
Sep 15, 2025
Could return Week 3
Witherspoon is dealing with an MCL contusion to his knee, and head coach Mike Macdonald said Monday that it's "possible" that the 2023 first-rounder could return for the Seahawks' Week 3 clash against the Saints on Sunday, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon suffered the injury during the Seahawks' Week 1 loss to the 49ers, and his practice participation over the coming week will help determine his availability for Week 3. Derion Kendrick ended up seeing a significant increase in defensive snaps during the Seahawks' 31-17 win over the Steelers on Sunday, and he took advantage of the opportunity with a solo tackle and two pass defenses (including an interception). Kendrick will continue to see a bigger role in the Seahawks' offense for as long as Witherspoon is sidelined.
Sep 14, 2025
Won't play against Pittsburgh
Witherspoon (knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Steelers, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon had a slim chance at playing Sunday after being tagged as doubtful due to a knee injury he picked up in the Seahawks' Week 1 loss to the 49ers. The injury prevented him from practicing all week, and the 2023 first-rounder's next opportunity to play will be Week 3 against the Saints on Sunday, Sept. 21. Per Henderson, Shaquill Griffin is the top candidate to start at outside corner opposite Riq Woolen due to Witherspoon's injury.
Sep 12, 2025
Doubtful for Week 2
Witherspoon (knee) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Steelers, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon played all 76 defensive snaps last Sunday against San Francisco despite suffering the knee injury in that contest. Derion Kendrick, Shaquill Griffin and Nehemiah Pritchett will be in for elevated roles at cornerback behind Riq Woolen and Josh Jobe if Witherspoon is deemed inactive.
Sep 11, 2025
Logs another DNP
Witherspoon (knee) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon picked up the injury in the fourth quarter of the Seahawks' Week 1 loss to the 49ers. He's missed the first two practices of the week and would have to practice Friday in at least a limited capacity in order to have a realistic chance of playing against the Steelers on Sunday. Shaquill Griffin and Derion Kendrick could draw some snaps at slot corner if Witherspoon is not cleared to play in Seattle's Week 2 bout.
Sep 10, 2025
Dealing with knee injury
Witherspoon was unable to practice Wednesday due to a knee injury that he picked up during the Seahawks' 17-13 loss to the 49ers this past Sunday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon injured his knee midway through the fourth quarter on the same play that Josh Jobe picked off a pass from Brock Purdy (toe) on a pass intended for Ricky Pearsall, per Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times. Witherspoon was able to play for the rest of the game, but he's come out of the contest worse for wear and will need to participate in practice over the next two days in order to have a chance at playing against the Steelers in Week 2.
Sep 8, 2025
Eight stops in loss
Witherspoon recorded eight total tackles (seven solo) in Sunday's 17-13 loss to the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon was rather active in Week 1, finishing tied for second on the team in tackles behind only safety Julian Love (10). Witherspoon reached eight tackles twice in 2024, most recently in Week 18 against the Rams. The cornerback will look to build off of his performance against San Francisco when the Seahawks travel to face the Steelers in Week 2.
Jan 17, 2025
Reaches second straight Pro Bowl
Witherspoon registered 98 tackles (66 solo), nine pass breakups and 1.0 sacks across 17 games during the 2024 season.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon was the Seahawks' only Pro Bowl player this season, marking his second time earning the honor in as many years. The 2023 first-round pick primarily played in the slot and paid dividends for fantasy managers with a high tackle count once again. He'll undoubtedly be a starter again in 2025 and should draw plenty of fantasy intrigue.
Dec 27, 2024
Notches first sack of 2024
Witherspoon recorded six solo tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and a sack in Thursday's 6-3 win over the Bears.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon's physicality was on display in the close conference win, and he notched his first sack since Week 11 of last season. The 2023 first-round pick has now produced 90 tackles (62 solo), seven pass breakups and a sack through 16 games, proving to be an effective fantasy option as the Seahawks' starting slot cornerback.
Nov 5, 2024
Stacks up seven stops
Witherspoon recorded seven tackles (four solo), two pass breakups and a forced fumble in the 26-20 overtime loss to the Rams on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
This was Witherspoon's fourth seven-tackle game this season, as he's averaging 5.7 stops per game. The 2023 first-round pick has endured a significant drop in pass breakups with just three through nine games after posting 16 through 14 games last season. Witherspoon is a locked-in starter on Seattle's defense and should maintain a decent fantasy floor as a result.
Oct 31, 2024
Practices in full Thursday
Witherspoon (foot) was listed as a full practice participant Thursday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon popped up on Wednesday's injury report due to a foot injury, but it doesn't appear to be serious following his full practice Thursday. Barring any setbacks, Witherspoon should be good to go for Sunday's NFC West showdown against the Rams.
Oct 30, 2024
Dealing with foot injury
Witherspoon (foot) was listed as a DNP on Wednesday's injury report, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon logged five tackles (four solo) during the Seahawks' Week 8 loss to the Bills, but he appears to have picked up a foot injury in the process. He'll have two more opportunities this week to practice in at least a limited capacity ahead of Sunday's NFC West clash against the Rams.
Sep 20, 2024
Good to go for Week 3
Witherspoon (hamstring) does not have an injury designation for Sunday's game against Miami, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon opened the week with a pair of limited practices due to a hamstring issue, but he returned to full participation Friday and doesn't have an injury designation heading into the weekend. As such, he appears fine to suit up against the Dolphins on Sunday. Through two games, Witherspoon has tallied 14 tackles (nine solo) along with one defensed pass.
Sep 18, 2024
Limited at practice
Witherspoon (hamstring) was a limited participant at practice with the Seahawks on Wednesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon appears to have picked up a hamstring injury in Seattle's 23-20 win over the Patriots in Week 2. The cornerback's ability to practice in any capacity is a positive sign and he'll have to more chances to log a full session before Sunday's matchup with the Dolphins.
Jan 21, 2024
Impresses as rookie
Witherspoon recorded 79 tackles (56 solo), 16 pass breakups, 3.0 sacks and a pick-six across 14 games during the 2023 season.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon's physicality was a welcomed addition to a Seattle defense that had seemingly lost its identity over the past couple of years. The No. 5 overall pick made a statement in Week 4 with two sacks and a pick-six against the Giants, and he led the Seahawks in pass breakups. His 8.0 tackles for loss also ranks fourth on the team. Witherspoon will be a starter again in 2024, and he should be a solid fantasy contributor regardless of who the head coach is.
Jan 2, 2024
Three tackles in return
Witherspoon had three solo tackles in Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon returned from a two-game absence due to a hip injury he sustained in Week 14 against the 49ers. He played 35 defensive snaps Sunday as he ceded time to Mike Jackson, who played all 71 snaps on defense and finished with five total tackles. Witherspoon should see the field more in the Seahawks' regular-season finale against the Cardinals -- barring any setback during practice -- as Seattle still has a chance to make the playoffs.
Dec 31, 2023
Returning to action
Witherspoon (hip) is active Sunday against the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon has missed two straight games while recovering from a hip pointer, but the rookie corner's absences will end there. His return to the secondary should be good news for the Seahawks when they take the field against Pittsburgh in Week 17.
Dec 30, 2023
Hopeful for Sunday
The Seahawks are hopeful Witherspoon (hip) will be able to play in Sunday's game against the Steelers and that there is a 60/40 chance he'll be ready, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon is attempting to return from a two-game absence. Doing so would be beneficial for both Seattle's playoff push and his Defensive Rookie of the Year case. If he ultimately does not get the green light, Mike Jackson and Tre Brown would again be candidates to see increased snaps.
Dec 29, 2023
Questionable for Sunday
Witherspoon (hip) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Steelers, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon was able to log a week of limited practice sessions after missing Seattle's last two games, and he's now got a shot at suiting up in Week 17. If the 2023 first-round pick is unable to return to the field Sunday, expect both Mike Jackson and Tre Brown to see an uptick in snaps in the Seahawks' secondary.
Dec 27, 2023
Limited Wednesday
Witherspoon (hip) was considered to be a limited participant at Seattle's walkthrough Wednesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon has missed the last two contests due to a hip injury, but head coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday that the cornerback was "bouncing around pretty good in the walkthrough". The cornerback will have two more practice sessions to increase his workload this week ahead of the team's matchup with Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Dec 24, 2023
Will miss second straight game
Witherspoon (hip) is inactive for Sunday's Week 16 clash against Tennessee.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon played just seven snaps due to injuring his hip against San Francisco in Week 14, and he's now set to miss his second game since then. The rookie cornerback didn't practice at all this week, so there's uncertainty about whether he'll be able to return for next Sunday's matchup versus Pittsburgh. While Witherspoon has been out, Mike Jackson has been seeing a substantial bump in defensive snaps.
Dec 22, 2023
Misses practice Friday
Witherspoon (hip) did not participate in Friday's practice, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
With Witherspoon being a DNP in Friday's practice, it seems likely that Witherspoon will miss his second straight game of the season. Mike Jackson and Tre Brown are candidates for increased work at cornerback alongside starter Riq Woolen if Witherspoon is unable to suit up against the Titans on Sunday.
Dec 20, 2023
DNP in walkthrough Wednesday
Witherspoon (hip) was estimated as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice walkthrough, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon suffered a hip injury against the 49ers in Week 14 and sat out Monday's win over the Eagles. Per John Boyle of the team's official site, the rookie cornerback is dealing with a hip pointer but is showing improvement. Mike Jackson has seen a big increase in defensive snaps while Witherspoon has been absent and would presumably have a significant role again Sunday versus Tennessee if Witherspoon is ruled out again.
Dec 18, 2023
Out Monday
Witherspoon (hip) is listed as inactive for Monday's matchup with the Eagles, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official website reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon was questionable with a hip injury heading into the evening and ultimately did not get the green light. In his absence, Mike Jackson is the likely candidate to fill in at cornerback.
Dec 16, 2023
Uncertain to suit up Monday
Witherspoon (hip) is questionable to suit up against the Eagles on Monday, Curtis Crabtree of Fox 13 Seattle reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon was hurt in the first quarter of last week's loss to San Francisco and was unable to return. He didn't practice at all during Week 15 prep, but head coach Pete Carroll indicated Saturday that he is "hoping" the rookie cornerback will be able to play Monday. If Witherspoon can't suit up, Mike Jackson figures to slide into a starting role.
Dec 14, 2023
Remains sidelined
Witherspoon (hip) did not practice Thursday, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon hasn't practiced since suffering the injury in Sunday's loss to the 49ers. With the Seahawks not playing until Monday, he'll have the benefit of an extra day to recover, but he'll likely need to get back on the field in some capacity Friday or Saturday to be able to play in Week 15 against the Eagles.
Dec 11, 2023
Dealing with different injury
Witherspoon suffered a hip pointer in Sunday's loss to the 49ers, not bruised ribs, head coach Pete Carroll stated Monday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon was unable to return to the game after suffering the injury and it's not clear how much time the rookie corner may miss. More details should emerge as the team releases its first injury report later in the week.
Dec 10, 2023
Bruised ribs in loss
Head coach Pete Carroll noted after Sunday's 28-16 loss to the 49ers that Witherspoon is dealing with bruised ribs, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon sustained the rib injury midway through the first quarter and did not return to the game. Artie Burns filled in for Witherspoon at nickel, but the former also left Sunday's game with a knee injury. Witherspoon will have an extra day off to recover from the injury ahead of Week 15 against the Eagles on Mon. Dec. 18.
Dec 10, 2023
Questionable to return
Witherspoon (lower back) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon exited Sunday's matchup in the first quarter and is now questionable to return. Mike Jackson will take over at corner for Witherspoon if he ends up being out.
Oct 3, 2023
Enjoys career day
Witherspoon recorded seven tackles (six solo), two sacks and a pick-six during Seattle's 24-3 win against the Giants on Monday.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon had the best game of his young career notching both his first ever sack and interception, which he returned 97-yards for a touchdown to help seal the game. The rookie first-round pick will look to build off of this strong performance against the Bengals following Seattle's Week 5 bye.
Sep 26, 2023
Compiles 11 tackles in win
Witherspoon recorded 11 tackles (eight solo) and two pass deflections in the Seahawks' 37-27 win over the Panthers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon was everywhere in Week 3, leading the team in tackles while also deflecting two passes. The cornerback missed Week 1 with a hamstring injury, but he now has 16 tackles and three pass deflections over his first two career games with Seattle.
Sep 15, 2023
Ready to make NFL debut
Witherspoon (hamstring) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Lions, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon missed Seattle's season opener, but he put in a full week of practice and is ready to make his NFL debut in Detroit. The 2023 first-round pick should help shore up a secondary that allowed over 100 receiving yards to two different Rams wide receivers in Week 1, even though Los Angeles was playing without Cooper Kupp (hamstring).
Sep 13, 2023
Makes return to practice
Witherspoon (hamstring) was a full participant in practice Wednesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon had been dealing with a hamstring issue since early August and didn't play in Seattle's season opener. Per Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times, Wednesday's practice was the cornerback's first full session since Aug. 7. It appears likely that Witherspoon will be able to make his season debut in Detroit on Sunday.
Sep 10, 2023
Inactive for Week 1
Witherspoon (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Rams, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon has been dealing with a hamstring injury since early August. It was expected that he would miss Sunday's game and will have his next chance to make his NFL debut in Week 2 against the Lions. Tre Brown and Mike Jackson are set for elevated work opposite starting cornerback Riq Woolen.
Sep 10, 2023
Probably won't debut Sunday
Witherspoon (hamstring) is not expected to play against the Rams on Sunday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
The 2023 first-round selection out of Illinois had been sidelined for just under a month before participating in Seahawks' practice as a limited participant this past week. Seattle seems to be playing it safe with their young corner, as the team hopes Witherspoon can make his debut during next week's game against Detroit.
Sep 8, 2023
Questionable with hamstring issue
Witherspoon (hamstring) is listed as questionable Friday for Sunday's game versus the Rams, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Coach Pete Carroll suggested a week ago that Witherspoon was unlikely to play in Seattle's regular-season opener, so he should be presumed to be on the 'doubtful' end of the questionable designation. One of Tre Brown or Mike Jackson would probably start in Witherspoon's place across from Riq Woolen.
Sep 6, 2023
Limited participant in practice
Witherspoon (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon has been out since early August but is making strides towards returning to full health and could still be ready for Sunday's game against the Rams. Selected fifth overall in April, the 22-year-old is slated to start at corner opposite Riq Woolen once healthy.
Sep 4, 2023
Back at practice Monday
Witherspoon (hamstring) was spotted at the Seahawks' practice Monday, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon has been out since Aug. 7 with a hamstring injury and it's unclear how much work he put in Monday at practice. Seattle's injury report Wednesday will give a better indication of the rookie cornerback's status for Week 1 versus the Rams. Head coach Pete Carroll said Friday that Witherspoon is unlikely to be able to play in the contest, though that certainly could have changed Monday.
Sep 1, 2023
Unlikely to play Week 1
Coach Pete Carroll suggested Friday that Witherspoon (hamstring) is unlikely to play Week 1 against the Rams, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
Carroll didn't shut the door on the possibility but did say it's "going to be a race" to have the fifth overall draft pick ready for Week 1. The Seahawks coach previously said Witherspoon will be in the mix for a starting role once he's healthy, though it sounds like that might not happen for a few more weeks, temporarily leaving Tre Brown and Mike Jackson as the top candidates for CB snaps alongside Riq Woolen.
Aug 31, 2023
Still sidelined
Witherspoon (hamstring) remained sidelined at Thursday's practice, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon, the No. 5 overall pick in the offseason's draft, has not practiced since Aug. 7 due to a lingering hamstring issue. It was previously reported that he was set to return this week, but that has not been the case yet. As the regular-season gets closer, the rookie's status is getting murkier. Still, more clarity will be gained on his availability for Week 1 once the Seahawks release their first injury report next week.
Aug 24, 2023
Could practice next week
Witherspoon (hamstring) is on track to return to practice next week, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon has been hampered with a lingering hamstring injury since Aug. 7. The Seahawks were presumably exercising caution with their fifth-pick overall selection in this year's draft in order to ensure his health heading into the regular season. Seattle has ideas of playing him in the slot to kick off the season, which should lead to a pretty healthy role, as they used five defensive backs on 70 percent of their defensive snaps last season. The rookie is trending in the right direction as Week 1 approaches.
Aug 17, 2023
Could see time in slot
The Seahawks are tinkering with the idea of playing Witherspoon (hamstring) in the slot to kick off the season, Eric Williams of FoxSports.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon, the No. 5 overall selection in this year's draft, logged 109 snaps at slot corner during his final collegiate season at Illinois, so the role is not foreign to him. Riq Woolen and Mike Jackson are slated to start outside at corner, so Seattle is looking to ge their best 11 defenders on the field as much as possible. It should be noted, they used five defensvie backs on 70 percent of their snaps during the regular-season in 2022. Witherspoon missed the first two days of camp before resolving contract issues, and has been hampered with a lingering hamstring injury since Aug. 7, so a return to health sooner than later would be so he could get in more reps at the slot.
Aug 9, 2023
Still dealing with injury
Witherspoon missed practice again Wednesday due to a hamstring injury, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon hasn't practiced since leaving early Monday after suffering the injury. Head Coach Pete Carrol has stated that the team will be cautious with him, and he will not play Thursday against the Vikings. The rookie cornerback will continue focusing on getting healthy, so he can be ready to go Week 1 against the Rams at the very latest.
Aug 7, 2023
Exits practice early
Witherspoon left Monday's practice early and was seen with a wrap on his left leg, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
There is no word on the seriousness of Witherspoon's injury at this time, but expect the Seahawks to err on the side of caution with the No. 5 overall pick in this year's draft. He is expected to start at cornerback opposite Riq Woolen this year.
Jul 28, 2023
Inks rookie deal
Witherspoon agreed to a four-year, $31.86 million rookie contract with the Seahawks on Friday, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon held out of training camp for two days and was the last of the 259 players taken in the 2023 NFL Draft to sign his rookie deal. Rookie contracts are collectively bargained based on draft position, but Witherspoon and the Seahawks were at odds over how much of the signing bonus he would get up front. The deal includes a signing bonus of $20.17 million but there haven't been any initial reports on how that bonus is being paid out. With the holdout behind him, the 2023 first-round pick is set to return to practice with the Seahawks.
Jul 27, 2023
Holding out
Witherspoon wasn't present at training camp Thursday as he continues to negotiate his rookie contract, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Witherspoon -- the No. 5 pick in this year's draft -- is the only 2023 draft pick that hasn't signed his rookie contract. The money is already collectively bargained, but Witherspoon is angling to get all or most of his $21.17 million signing bonus paid immediately. Head coach Pete Carroll doesn't believe that Witherspoon will be out for long. Hopefully that's the case, as the 22-year-old cornerback is missing crucial practice reps as he looks to solidify himself as the team's top cornerback.
Apr 27, 2023
Seattle swoops in
The Seahawks selected Witherspoon in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, fifth overall.
ANALYSIS
After hitting a home run with Tariq Woolen in the fifth round last year, Seattle is going back to the well at cornerback but using a much higher pick to do so. Witherspoon was tremendous in coverage at Illinois, especially in press. He logged 17 pass breakups as a senior in 2022 to go with three interceptions en route to becoming a consensus All-American. Witherspoon, at 5-foot-11 and 181 pounds with 4.43 speed, isn't as toolsy as fellow rookie corner Christian Gonzalez, but Witherspoon's instincts and physicality were enough to make him the first corner off the board this year. He and Woolen could form a dominant cornerback pairing in the Pacific Northwest.