The Seahawks have activated LB Jerome Baker and LB Tyrel Dodson from the physically unable to perform list. That should give both players plenty of time to get ready for their anticipated starting roles in a reworked defense.
Gregg Bell of the Tacoma News Tribune on Baker's role in new HC Mike Macdonald's system: "Macdonald and his new defensive staff have him as the starting inside weakside (“Will”) linebacker. Baker is replacing Jordyn Brooks."
On the injuries that started Baker on the camp PUP: "Baker missed the Seahawks’ offseason practices following wrist surgery to repair an injury that nagged him last season in Miami. He also had what Macdonald vaguely termed a 'lower-body' issue this spring."
On Dodson: "Macdonald has said the fifth-year NFL veteran is going to be the defensive signal caller wearing the green-dot helmet with a speaker to receive Macdonald’s play calls. He is replacing departed All-Pro Bobby Wagner in Seattle’s middle-linebacker and play-calling roles."
That play-relaying role will mean full playing time for Dodson, at least initially. Dodson started just 15 games across four seasons in Buffalo, with 10 of those coming last year after LB Matt Milano's season-ending injury.
Even over that stretch, Dodson reached 80% playing time in a game just three times.
He'll carry sleeper upside in fantasy football drafts. But we'll see how the season progresses.
Baker should be a better bet to maintain his starting role. He spent most of his Miami stint as a full-timer and signed for $7 million on a one-year deal.
Baker's also likely to go earlier in your IDP draft, though, and has been an inconsistent fantasy producer.
We'll see whether the Seahawks plan to let Baker rush the passer as frequently as Miami did. That could prove key to his fantasy production.
Look for Dodson to move up our LB rankings. This was the first time I'd read of Seattle's plans to have him wear the green dot.
Baker's primary issue was the wrist recovery. His quick return from the PUP list says that shouldn't remain a problem going forward.
I haven't seen Dodson's issue disclosed. So there doesn't seem to be anything to track on that front.
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