The Seahawks gained their edge back in week 2. They lost the season opener to the 49ers by 13-17, but scored 31 points against Pittsburgh. Kenneth Walker and Sam Darnold played efficiently, and the defense also complemented them. But now Week 3 is arriving, and suddenly, the injury list reads like a starting lineup. Zach Charbonnet, Julian Love, and Devon Witherspoon, all key players, sat out again on Thursday, September 18.

That’s two straight DNPs for each, just three days before the Saints come to town. Not ideal. Zach Charbonnet’s situation feels especially tricky. He hasn’t practiced all week because of a foot issue. If he can’t go, Kenneth Walker will be forced into a heavy workload with George Holani as the next man up. The practice-squad duo of Damien Martinez and Jacardia Wright could even be elevated, which tells you how thin Seattle’s RB room is right now.

Love’s absence stings for a different reason. He played every defensive snap (59) in the Pittsburgh win, which makes this hamstring injury feel like a bad-timing curveball. Against a Saints offense led by QB Spencer Rattler, Love’s ability to confuse young passers would’ve been huge. Without him, Mike Macdonald’s defense loses one of its best chess pieces. But these two aren’t the only ones injured.

Witherspoon is also nursing his MCL contusion and missed practice on Thursday. Macdonald tried to stay optimistic earlier on Wednesday, September 17, saying it wasn’t anything “crazy,” but optimism doesn’t win you matches in the NFL. You need players on the field to stop the rivals.

With their key players’ status still in doubt, the coach has a lot to take care of. Can they ride the momentum of that 31–17 win in Pittsburgh despite missing three defensive starters and their RB2? Friday’s practice might tell the entire story.

The Saints raise the heat by signing Zach Charbonnet’s ex-teammate

Both teams know each other well. Klint Kubiak was the Saints’ OC last season. But the Saints just turned up the heat ahead of Week 3. With just days before they head to Seattle, New Orleans signed offensive lineman Sataoa Laumea. He was wearing a Seahawks jersey just a few weeks ago. HC Mike Macdonald is noticing. Laumea spent training camp learning Kubiak’s offense. He knows the language, the tendencies, maybe even some of the audibles.

This isn’t just a depth signing, it’s a chess move. The Saints are banged up front after losing both opening games. Moreover, Dillon Radunz is also injured and taking care of his toe injury. But here’s the catch. Zach Charbonnet’s former teammate wasn’t chosen for the Seahawks’ final roster. So, the Saints also understand his ability and talent. If he ends up blocking Jarran Reed, Byron Murphy II, or Leonard Williams, that would be an advantage. But this is less about skill and more about intel.

New Orleans already had plenty of film about Seattle. Now, after signing Laumea, they have more insights into the Seahawks’ playbook. However, this update has turned the lackluster game into an interesting one. Last year, the Seahawks finished the season with a 10-7 record. But they failed to qualify for the playoffs.

So, Mike Macdonald knows this, and he wants to collect as many wins as he can during the initial weeks. That will set up his base to jump into the postseason when January comes.