The Seattle Seahawks are entering Sunday’s critical Week 14 showdown with the Arizona Cardinals with unanswered questions at the kickoff and punt return positions. The Seahawks survived an all-time terrible special teams performance in the Week 13 win over the New York Jets.
Laviska Shenault fumbled on two occasions, losing one. Somehow, neither of those errors led to points for the Jets. The Seahawks still responded appropriately, releasing Shenault from his contract earlier this week.
Dee Williams is the logical in-house answer, but he’s also come under scrutiny for his fumbles and turnovers this season. With Shenault officially gone, will Williams receive another opportunity? Head coach Mike Macdonald is still mulling his options, along with special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh, he told the media on Wednesday.
On a football note, Mike Macdonald says both kickoff and punt return spots are open and they are examining options. Says “I don’t have an answer for you right now” on who will handle those roles though he said Dee Williams remains in the mix.
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) December 4, 2024
The straightforward alternative solution would be third string running back Kenny McIntosh. McIntosh is currently on the 53-man roster and has returned two kicks this campaign, gaining 35 yards (17.5 yards per return). He’s a sure-handed option, but lacks the explosion and vision to be a true difference maker.
Williams is the only Seahawk to return a punt this season. The rookie undrafted free agent out of Tennessee has returned 15 punts for 111 yards. The Seahawks must assess all options, including available free agents and players on their practice squad.
