Seattle Seahawks EDGE Uchenna Nwosu returned to the lineup in Sunday’s 30-18 Week 14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Having suffered an injury during the preseason that sidelined him for the opening four contests, it represented Nwosu’s second appearance of the season after he played just 20 snaps and re-injured himself against the New York Giants in Week 5. Head coach Mike Macdonald wisely eased him back into the rotation on Sunday.
Nwosu played 30 snaps against the Cardinals. That accounted for just 21 percent of Seattle’s available defensive plays, according to data collected by The Football Guys. It’s clear Seattle wanted to manage Nwosu’s health and stamina given his lengthy layoff.
Mike Macdonald today on the return of Uchenna Nwosu who had one tackle and one QB hit in 20 snaps Sunday: pic.twitter.com/60mYLJo4lb
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) December 10, 2024
Pro Football Focus credited Nwosu with totaling one quarterback pressure via 17 pass-rushing opportunities. He was only afforded four opportunities as a run defender. Macdonald opted to rest Nwosu on obvious run downs, calling him into action in obvious pass rushing situations.
Unsurprisingly, Nwosu played behind Derick Hall, Boye Mafe, and Dre’Mont Jones at outside linebacker. All three rushers played significantly more snaps than Nwosu did. The former USC Trojan may have a difficult time breaking back into the rotation on a more full-time basis.
Most importantly, Nwosu escaped his first contest back unscathed and healthy. The Seahawks have a challenging contest against the 9-4 Green Bay Packers in Week 15. Nwosu will attempt to continue shaking off the rust while trying to make more of an impact on Macdonald’s defense.
