Seahawks Depleted at WR; Rookies Poised to Step Up

Seattle’s receiver depth was severely depleted for Week 9 Sunday Night Football after veteran Cooper Kupp was declared inactive with heel and hamstring issues and multiple other Seahawks (Jake Bobo, Derion Kendrick, Jared Ivey, Mason Richman and Dareke Young) were ruled out, prompting Seattle to elevate Cody White and Ricky White III from the practice squad. Rookie Tory Horton and Jaxon Smith‑Njigba are expected to shoulder much of the passing workload in Kupp’s absence. The Washington Commanders also entered the game shorthanded—Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown were out, and rookie Luke McCaffrey suffered a shoulder injury on the opening kickoff and was ruled out before the end of the first quarter. Washington’s pass defense has been a relative weakness (21st in points allowed, 26th in passing yards), creating an opportunity for Seahawks’ young targets despite Seattle’s depleted receiver room. Kupp entered the game day with 24 catches for 293 yards and one touchdown this season, underscoring the impact of his absence.