The Seattle Seahawks’ training camp roster featured 90 players and a lot of jersey number shuffling. The No. 1 jersey number technically became available after general manager John Schneider released wide receiver Dee Eskridge at final cuts. Eskridge was not re-signed to the practice squad, making his desired uniform number up for grabs.
Seahawks veteran receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. was the player to claim the newly-available number. News emerged on Monday that Shenault had officially swapped his No. 81 jersey number for No. 1.
#Seahawks wide receiver/kick returner Laviska Shenault has changed his number for the regular season to 1, from 81. pic.twitter.com/FudRrozqqo
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) September 2, 2024
Eskridge had the No. 1 jersey number when Shenault signed a one-year contract with the Seahawks in April. Shenault has donned several numbers throughout his career, including 15 and 81.
Shenault was electric for the Seahawks throughout training camp and the preseason. The former Colorado standout recorded seven receptions for 76 receiving yards. The dual-threat versatile playmaker also added 19 rushing yards to his offensive totals via three rushing attempts.
Perhaps where Shenault will be most impactful is on special teams, particularly as the team’s primary kickoff returner under the new rule changes. Shenault returned a kick for 44 yards in Seattle’s debut preseason game versus the Los Angeles Chargers. Special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh had seen enough. He didn’t return another kick during the exhibition, and is currently listed as the starting kickoff returner on the depth chart.
Hopefully Shenault’s new jersey number (No. 1) indicates he’ll be the league’s best kickoff returner this season.
