Can the Seahawks Survive Early Injuries? Six Players Placed on NFI List

By Jason Bolton July 17, 2025 09:12

As the Seattle Seahawks gear up for the start of their 2025 training camp on July 23, the team faces an early test in overcoming adversity after placing six players mostly rookies on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list. This unexpected situation raises important questions about how the Seahawks will manage roster depth and player readiness during a critical period of preparation for the regular season.

The six players currently designated on the NFI list include defensive tackle Rylie Mills, wide receivers Tyrone Broden and Montorie Foster, linebacker D’Eryk Jackson, defensive back Isas Waxter, and cornerback CJ Fields. Of note, Mills picked in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft from Notre Dame is the only drafted rookie among the group. His ACL injury, sustained late in college and prior to the National Championship game, has delayed his full participation.

John Boyle, the Seahawks’ Director of Communications, clarified that players placed on the NFI list retain the opportunity to return to practice once they clear team physicals. In fact, several of these players have already passed physicals shortly after being placed on the list, with four rookies including Broden, Foster, Jackson, and Waxter activated off NFI within a day. This quick turnaround provides some relief and suggests that Seattle’s coaching staff can begin integrating these players sooner than initially expected.

Nevertheless, the implications for the Seahawks’ depth at key positions cannot be underestimated. The absence of these young players for even a portion of training camp reduces valuable reps that are crucial for rookies to acclimate to the NFL’s speed and complexity. Mills’ continued recovery leaves some uncertainty along the defensive line, while the wide receiver and secondary units will feel the absence of Broden, Foster, Waxter, and Fields during early drills. Linebacker D’Eryk Jackson’s limited availability further strains a position that the Seahawks are looking to strengthen bolstered by recent offseason additions.

Behind the scenes, Seattle’s front office understands that patience will be essential. Seahawks GM John Schneider has historically prioritized player development and depth building and is expected to lean on veterans and second-year players to bridge gaps through camp and the preseason. Head coach Pete Carroll has echoed this sentiment, stressing a measured approach toward integrating rookies dealing with injuries, noting, “We don’t want to rush recovery just to have players on the field early. The long-term health and performance are paramount.”

Seattle’s training camp opens ahead of their preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on August 7th. While the NFI placements undoubtedly complicate preparations, the Seahawks have a track record of overcoming adversity through roster flexibility and depth. Player wellness and timing will dictate exactly when these rookies return to full participation, although the quick activations seen so far suggest optimism for mid-camp reintegration.

In summary, the Seahawks’ early roster move placing six rookies on the NFI list is emblematic of the physical toll that transitioning to the NFL can impose. Seattle’s response balanced with strategic patience and reliance on veteran leadership will be critical in determining how well the team weathers initial absences. The coaching staff and medical team’s collaborative approach aims to ensure these promising young players return at full strength, providing necessary impact as the Seahawks push toward a playoff-caliber season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how effectively Seattle manages and recovers from this early training camp hurdle.