Seahawks Depth Chart Update After Bud Clark Injury

The Seattle Seahawks need players to step up after another another major injury.

Aug 15, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Seattle Seahawks ended their rough week within the first half against the Tennessee Titans. Seattle had a rough set of practices, including the joint practice against the Titans. The Seahawks lost wide receiver Jake Bobo for the year due to a knee injury. Seattle started strong, but they experienced one more disastrous result on the field.

In the first quarter, the Seahawks saw rookie Bud Clark go down holding his ankle and wasn’t able to put any weight on it. Clark had to be carted off the field with all Seahawks players wishing him luck. This is likely the third major injury either a starter or a key role player this training camp and preseason. With Clark out for several months, the Seahawks will need a solid supporting cast.

Clark wasn’t going to be the starter for the Seahawks as the season kicks off against the New England Patriots on September 3. He was, however, set to be utilized in a dynamic role for the Dark Side Defense by playing all over the field at safety, slot cornerback, box linebacker and boundary cornerback. The Seahawks need a new depth chart at the safety position and nickelback.

Updated Projected Depth Chart Without Clark

Jan 3, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) rushes the ball past Seattle Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) during the first half at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The two easiest spots at the safety positions are Julian Love and Ty Okada, who is coming in as a full-time starter. Love will be one of the Seahawks’ biggest defensive leaders. Okada has been solid in the last few weeks in preseason and should be a great player after stepping up with 11 games last season.

A.J. Finley is another veteran who stepped up during training camp and preseason. He has been a reliable defender since the Seahawks’ fan fest shortly before their first preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. Finley remains the backup behind Love.

At the other second-string safety spot was originally Clark’s protected spot behind Okada. His athleticism and dynamic playmaking made him a key fit with head coach Mike Macdonald’s multi-role defense. With Clark out, the Seahawks need another dynamic player.

Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety D'Anthony Bell (23) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Luckily, the Seahawks have moved players around in the defensive backs in multiple positions. One of the players is D’Anthony Bell, who has been active throughout the offseason. Not only has Bell played strong safety, but he has practiced at the box linebacker position. The Seahawks have flexed him out at nickel to play pass coverage. His experience with the team and how dynamic gives him an extra push to make the roster.

Bell was likely fifth in line filling at nickel. If Nick Emmanwori is still injured, the Seahawks would likely have cornerback Devon Witherspoon go back to where he spent his first two years of his career. With Clark out, that No. 3 nickel spot likely goes to Noah Igbinoghene, then Nehemiah Pritchett. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Bell take some nickel reps during the season.

The other two veteran safeties, Rodney Thomas and Maxen Hook, have good NFL experience, but they have less experience than the other four players. Thomas is likely to make the 53-man roster based on his consistency through the training camp and preseason.

Finally, rookie cornerback Andre Fuller has experience playing nickel and safety. He could make a good emergency spot on the practice squad if he doesn’t make the initial 53-man roster.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Super Bowl champions from Seattle Seahawks On SI —

Sign Up For the Seahawks Daily Digest - OnSI’s Free Seattle Seahawks Newsletter